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Original poster

To not want my 4 year old to wear a school tie?

164 replies

lulu3376 · 09/04/2011 21:42

I am new to forums so hope I get this right!

I just wanted to get the general consensus of other mums out there. My 4 year old starts reception in September and a tie is part of the school uniform. I don't have a problem with ties but did not think they would expect reception kids to wear one - but they do!

I am even more surprised that they have to wear a proper tie not even a clip on or elasticated! I am not happy about this because I do not think its necessary at this age but even more so i don't think its very safe - ties can get tightened in rough and tumble and even more seriously, can get caught on climbing equipment.

That's my views/concerns - what does everyone else think???

OP posts:
shesparkles · 09/04/2011 22:57

I really don't see what the issue is? My kids have both worn ties from when they started P1 (although dd's is more of a necklace these daysHmm) and several local schools who had been using polo shirts have now gone back to shirts and ties.
Sometimes in life, you have to conform, and this is one of those times.

PE has never been an issue as you're encouraged to teach the children to tie their own ties before they start school-it's not rocket science

Original poster
lulu3376 · 09/04/2011 22:56

Can I just clarify that I don't have an issue with uniform!! I like school uniform as it makes all the children feel equal and it looks smart.

My issue is that I think proper ties are not necessary at this young age
and that they could be a safety issue.....

OP posts:
PaWithABra · 09/04/2011 22:55

'Rope 'em in young' says I.

princessparty · 09/04/2011 22:54

They could all tie it within a few weeks -why is an elasticated one safer I would have thought more dangerous as they could stratch and get caught round something

princessparty · 09/04/2011 22:52

All my DC have worn a 'proper tie' since the start of reception.Can't see why they are a strangling hazard when they sit under the collar of a shirt?

GiddyPickle · 09/04/2011 22:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

beanandspud · 09/04/2011 22:49

A2363 I remember having the same when we were little - we had a press-stud at the back to hold it together.

I really don't see why it is an issue. If that's the uniform then the children should wear it.

lazylula · 09/04/2011 22:45

Ds1 wears a tie for school, but he has an elasticated and a clip on one, they do do the proper ones but I felt it was too much of a faff tbh. He loves wearing it and isn't sure about going to school without it after Easter, when they are allowed to wear polo shirts as part of the Summer uniform.

pigletmania · 09/04/2011 22:45

and a proper one at that

pigletmania · 09/04/2011 22:45

I used to wear a tie in reception back in the days of yore, well 30 years ago Grin

Original poster
lulu3376 · 09/04/2011 22:40

Thanks everyone.

Its not a private school and far from poncey. I wouldn't not send him there over a uniform issue as its the quality of education that's important. I was just really surprised that they have to wear ties in reception and that they are proper ties. As many of you have said your schools sensible provide elasticated or clip on.

I don't think it's paranoia, it is a genuine risk that should be considered - I don't want my child to be the schools first case of a tie related accident and there have been incidents nationally.

I'll take it up with them when he starts and will see if I can convert the tie to an elasticated one - thanks for the suggestions and advice

OP posts:
A2363 · 09/04/2011 22:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

A2363 · 09/04/2011 22:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Bohica · 09/04/2011 22:11

DD's have all worn ties as part of their winter uniform. Never had a problem with teaching them to tie their own tie & never had a tie related accident within the school.

Uniform teaches them aspects of respect. Respect for your clothes & respect for rules & regulations.

We are not attending a private school, it's a small catholic school & has some very strict rules for the children and parents to adhere to.

We love it & the girls are thriving.

elphabadefiesgravity · 09/04/2011 22:11

DD and ds go to a private school and have worn elastic ties since reception.

However the catholic state primaries expect their 3 year old nursery children to wear shirt & tie. Now that is ridiculous.

But I can't even tie a proper tie. they should do elastic ones.

ChippyMinton · 09/04/2011 22:08

My DC have worn ties since reception (state school btw). They quickly learnt to tie them by themselves. And no accidents wearing them either. You are worrying unnecessarily.

SkinittingFluffyBunnyBonnets · 09/04/2011 22:07

DD has worn one since she was 3 and a half....it's not a problem. She has an elasticated one.

BlueAmy · 09/04/2011 22:01

Generally, uniform is a good thing once they are in school. I would not want my DC going to a school that didn't have a uniform code. But I do draw the line at what the OP is expected to dress her child in. Clip on tie would be a decent compromise, but a small child dressed in a potentially dangerous item day in day out would not be okay with me. Not to mention the nightmares they will go through with dressing after P.E. and swimming.

thatsenough · 09/04/2011 22:00

Elastic ties from pre-school to year 2 at our school. Proper ties for juniors only.

God help the teachers they have a big enough problem getting the nursery and reception classes back into their uniform after PE as it is!

FabbyChic · 09/04/2011 22:00

My son is 23 when he started school he had to wear a tie and that was some 19 years ago, it was an elasticated one and he looked awesome.

girliefriend · 09/04/2011 21:59

I wouldn't want my 4/5yo wearing a tie - think its bloody ridiculous to be honest that any child of any age should 'have' to wear one!!!

If its private school - thats what you get!
If its a local school take it up with the head teacher or look round some more schools!!!

Sirzy · 09/04/2011 21:58

I have no problem with them for 4 year olds but think elastic ones make much more sense!

At primary school we had elastic ties in infants and proper ties in the juniors.

cornsilkily · 09/04/2011 21:55

Schools in the UK are obsessed with uniform. It's ridiculous.

Hulababy · 09/04/2011 21:54

DD has worn a tie since starting school. She's in Y4 now. Part of her winter uniform. Has never been an issue. She learnt to tie it within the first half term and despite engaging in lots of running around, giddy play durig the day it has never been a safety issue.

I had to wear one to at school even from primary, as did my brother and sister.

borderslass · 09/04/2011 21:54

When DD1 started school at 5 she wore a tie but I knotted it and sewed elastic on it myself schools suggestion, was only a small school and wasn't viable to have two lots of ties.

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