'Wasted' PE kit

[rushofbangerstothefire]

Starting reception we had a uniform list that included a PE kit (unbranded), which all parents dutifully produced in the first week of term. I now hear from another parent that PE lessons won't start until the Spring term - apparently they do enough outdoor time to compensate.

What about all the kit that has been hanging on the pegs for the last 10 weeks or so (and more to come)? It is likely to be too small by the time actual lessons start - particularly the footwear. If we had been informed at the start of term what the policy would be I doubt anyone would have a problem with it. Do you think it would be reasonable of me to point this out to the school, by letter or otherwise? I have asked the class teacher in the past and been fobbed off about letting them settle in first.

[3duracellbunnies]

In reception at our school they only wear their plimsoles to walk from classroom to hall. Being aware of this second time around I got them a size bigger with velcro straps, in the hope that one day her feet will grow. Besides they didn't have the ones she liked in size 7. It is annoying when you find these things out. Having said that dd1's kit still fits her 2yrs on.

[UniS]

most kids don' t grow into their PE kit till year 2,

[RueDeWakening]

We've had exactly the same thing - list of uniform to provide, inc PE kit. Provided it, then discovered about 3 weeks into term that it wouldn't be needed until the summer term. PE lessons take place in uniform, which for DD's school is a polo shirt and joggers in reception.

Fortunately, pumps are cheap, the shorts should last, and the tshirt was one she had in her drawer anyway.

[fruitstick]

Last year DS did PE from October half term, but only needed plimsoles in summer term.

I was on sports day when realised DS was effectively wearing crop top and hot pants.

This year I've gone for a size too big.

[fruitstick]

Although also discovered that DS didn't wear his named overall once in the entire year and teacher wasn't even aware they were on the uniform list.

[SolidGoldVampireBat]

How fast do your kids grow? Are you feeding them fertilizer? Honestly, PE kit, being shorts and short-sleeved t-shirts, is likely to last most DC at least a couple of years particularly at primary age. Isay this having bought some for DS when he started reception and subsequently finding out that they didn't actually do PE till Year 1. He's now in Year 2 and I haven't had to buy him any new stuff yet (apart from we've got to go and buy plimsolls this week as he has lost his...)

[fruitstick]

SG, DS is now in year one and has grown 8cm in the past year . he's enormous!

Must stop feeding the bugger

[rushofbangerstothefire]

Well I appreciate the shorts/shirts will probably still fit, but I'm more concerned about the trainers or plimsolls. My kids seem to need new shoes every few months, DD is almost out of her school shoes already. I'm just annoyed they didn't let us know the delayed start at the beginning of term and we could have adjusted accordingly. It is such a waste to have all this unused kit lying around - not to mention the fact half of it will probably go missing in the meantime (I mean everything else seems to )

[GrimmaTheNome]

While everyone is right that the clothing part of PE kit for reception kids should always be bought as big as possible, so shouldn't be outgrown, it is a bit daft of the school not to let parents know that the PE kit won't be needed till spring. Though if you left it till then to buy it you'd probably find there wasn't any in the shops - school uniform items are more seasonal than Easter Eggs!

[Bramshott]

DD1 is still wearing the shorts and t-shirt she started with in Reception, and she's now in Y4!

[gramercy]

a pair of plimsolls costs £1.99 - you do not need fancy trainers for a bit of PE in reception - or throughout the whole of primary school, come to that.

In fact unless your dc is Usain Bolt then cheapo sports shoes are the way to go. My ds is the world's worst at PE and therefore even at secondary school he has £3 trainers which fester in his sports bag from one term to the next.

As for the rest of the PE kit - plain t-shirt and a pair of those silky shorts things are as cheap as chips - and I only bought one set which has lasted two dcs.

If you are complaining about the lack of PE, that's one thing, but the cost... honestly a ready meal costs more than a primary school PE kit.

[PorkChopSter]

DS "needed" a tracksuit for PE in reception. He claims not to have worn it yet ... but then he also says he hasn't had any PE yet. He has, however, got changed into his PE kit and played in the playground with toys, and pretended to be a snake in the hall, and some other activities which I've filed under "don't believe half of what your children tell us about school and we won't believe half of what they tell us about home". All in his PE kit. Except the bloody tracksuit.