School stuff dressing code.

[TheNewWitchOfSWL]

I am new at my job, working as a support staff.

The HT doesn't like people wearing jeans or trainers. I wasn't made aware of this during my interview so after two weeks was gently told by a colleague about the dress code. I am struggling a little bit as I feel very silly wearing formal shoes (I have one pair of black brogues that I use when I do causal work as waitress) and I use my old black smart trousers (again from my waitressing job) and bought two more trousers from charity shops. I do have a few 'smart' ish tops that I keep washing so I can re-use them and nice coats/jackets BUT I am a jeans/trainers/t-shirt person and although my usual look is very casual I am am always clean/presentable, light make up on etc. My hair is another issue, it is total wild so when I dress smart for work I feel the need to have it all tidied back which makes me feel old and boring…

I hate shopping but I am saving money and looking for bargains so I can update my wardrobe and find a good pair of boots that will last.
Just wondering of in other schools the dress code is so strict? I see some people making minimum effort but I was told that if I want a more permanent position/more hours etc, would be a good idea to comply with the HT.

[noblegiraffe]

Support staff so basically office work? There aren't many office jobs that don't expect staff to wear office-wear. Jeans are definitely out.

[TheNewWitchOfSWL]

School STAFF
STAFF ok? STAFF!!

[TheNewWitchOfSWL]

No not office. Getting dirty with the EY kids at the dining hall, playground, sand pit, easel and etc.

[noblegiraffe]

I think most school settings would expect their staff to dress smartly. Obviously you need to think in practical terms for getting down on the floor etc, but not jeans. Look at what everyone else wears for tips, I'm surprised you didn't spot you were the only one in jeans and trainers.

[Spinaroo]

I don't know if any school where any member of staff wears jeans or trainers- smart casual may be the way to go. Smart trousers and a too but no need for a formal suit, I would say. Or maybe leggings/tunics and flattish shoes?

[NoelleHawthorne]

of COURSE you dont wear jeans or trainers

[NoelleHawthorne]

OP = grow up a bit, brush your hair, buy some clothes suitable for the job you have.

[Dragonlette]

I've never known a school where jeans and trainers would be acceptable. I see dd2's reception teacher and TA wearing comfortable, smartish trousers and tops with fairly basic, flat black shoes. Sometimes one of them is wearing leggings with a tunic top/dress, or a dress. Jeans are definitely not work by anyone at any school I have worked in, or that my dds have attended.

[ravenAK]

Usually our support staff seem to wear: longish top/skater dress, teamed with leggings or opaque tights. Or reasonably smart trousers, top, cardigan. Sensible flat shoes - but not trainers - think ballet pumps, ankle boots or brogues.

I'm with you that jeans/trainers would be an entirely sensible outfit for the role, but it'd certainly be frowned on where I teach.

[threepiecesuite]

Schools are professional environments. Dress accordingly.
I wear opaques, flat black pumps, tunic dresses or blouses and smartish black trousers.

[TheNewWitchOfSWL]

I last worked at a private nursery where we could wear what we wanted and even the HT like her funky t-shirts and uggs.
I honestly didn't pay attention on where other people were wearing unless they had something that caught my eye.
I am trying to stick to dark colours now, black, navy, dark blue or purple. I hate grey.
I am dressing accordingly now, just need some more variety.

[sashh]

I get clothes from ebay.

I have arthritis in my feet so I get shoes that are actually boys school shoes but feel like trainers. You might get away with completely black trainers.

Black trousers can be got anywhere, ebay, supermarkets etc.

Just get some tops that show your personality. If you are jeans - T shirt person maybe a T-shirt tucked in with an open shirt over.

[Ragwort]

Go to a charity shop, there are loads of bargains to be had.

You are there to work, not to appear 'funky' or need variety in your wardrobe .

[Sirzy]

I work in a school. This is when supermarket clothes are a godsend. At £6 for a pair of trousers it doesn't matter too much if they get covered in mud/paint etc (although most washes out)

[Tanaqui]

You can wear colour! Loads of primary teachers wear bright dresses with tights and boots, in fact dressing like a children's tv presenter is very popular- doesn't show the dirt and very child friendly.

[SavoyCabbage]

I would aim to get a few outfits and wear them almost like a uniform.

You could maybe get away with cords instead of jeans. Would you wear a shirt/blouse? Instantly smart but still comfy.

[MrsMot]

Most of my work wear comes from charity shops. Usually reasonable labels and washes well. Agree that you don't have to stick to darks.

[avocadogreen]

I have a pair of maroon skinny jeans that I get away with wearing, with flat ankle boots, a cardi or jumper and a nice scarf. Black jeans/ skinny trousers can also be ok. Flat shoes or boots are ok. This time of year I often wear tunics/dresses with leggings.

Most schools I've worked in anything but jeans/trainers seems to be ok. It doesn't have to be smart office wear!

[makeitabetterplace]

This isnt a 'strict' dress code, it's completely normal. I've never worked in any school that allows jeans, cords, trainers, spaghetti strap tops etc. we aren't allowed to wear open toe sandals either. I'm always amazed at the amount of teachers and TAs that we have to speak to about wearing, for example, coloured thongs under white linen trousers, boob tubes (yes, seriously), low cut tops etc.

A school is a work place. The children arrive in uniform and it's respectful that you do the same and have your slightly smarter uniform on too. The only exception is generally school trips when wearing jeans and trainers is ok.

[TheNewWitchOfSWL]

I am the queen of eBay and charity shops. And no I am not complaining that I can't be funky. I am not funky. I mentioned that the HT in my previous nursery liked to wear her funky clothes at work. I meant variety in a sense of not worrying about Washing my working clothes so often in the winter.

[mrsmilesmatheson]

I'm a primary teacher. I wear lots of leggings or thick tights under dresses or tunics. Asda are very cheap, or store twenty one.

Also I wear skechers shoes or similar cheap versions. Comfort of trainers but they look smart and I have some cool ones with flowers.

When I used to work in eyfs I wore suede slip on shoes from cotton traders, they are warm and tough enough for outside learning and are essentially trainers but smarter.

Layers are good too, I have a couple of Jersey dresses which i can wear in the summer and have layers over in colder weather.

Also, nothing wrong with tying hair back! Just think how many headline you'll avoid

[Acciosanity]

Never heard of any school or setting that allowed jeans and trainers.

I'm in a nursery. We have to wear black trousers and we have a uniform polo shirt. Shoes are black. Hair has to be tied back.

Get to primark. Trousers are £5 a pair and wash well.

[Littlemisssunshine72]

Obviously you have to go by the dress code of the school but I have worked in schools where many teachers have been in jeans and trainers. At my last school, the deputy head was always in jeans,trainers and hoodies. Not saying it's common place but quite a few schools allow casual attire.

[JennyBlueWren]

I'm a teacher and I wear trainers!
I am in nursery and outside in all weathers so have a lovely pair of waterproof trainers. I used to wear them sometimes when I taught "up the school" but changed into smart shoes for most of the time and just wore them outside.

I wear cheap smart trousers and tops (charity shops!) and leggings with longer tops/dresses.

[DownByTheRiverside]

As Littlemiss says, it depends very much on the school, and there is a great deal of variety and flexibility within that. So you go with what they expect, or you find a school that suits you better.