DDs school has skirts only uniform for girls

I think that for the parents and headteachers or trustees or whoever sets the policy, this is an attempt to recreate a golden age when children went to school with the expectation of learning something, and the teachers expected them to stay in their seats until the bell rang and they were told they could leave. Well at least we can have them in the clothes they used to wear.

Of course there was Ronald Searle's artwork, but it was just fun, eh.

Yeah, I want to hear what happened. All this about what children look like in particular uniforms is depressing.

OP: any news from the Governors' meeting?

There's also the fact that trousers are so much more protective of their knees with all the falling over (and rolling in mud - which should be encouraged as part of the National Curriculum!)

....and FWIW, I don't particularly like the uniform, but we chose, and like, the school for other reasons.

Sorry - yes - just waterproof trousers, all the better for rolling in mud (which they all do, a lot).

Aren't over trousers just waterproofs? They DO sound in the same vein as galoshes and pattens though. (Whatever they are!)

stealthsquiggle, over-trousers sounds absolutely bonkers.

There are no rational justifications for girls not being allowed to wear trousers - even the Biblical thing about women not wearing garments of a masculine cast isn't really true any more, as so many women wear women's trousers. The witters about little girls looking pwettier in school skirts are examples of sexist standards in action - nobody expects little boys to be pretty at school.

What are "over trousers"? Do you wear them over a skirt?

DC's (independent) school has skirts only for girls, but up to and including year 3 they actually have the better deal, as they can at least wear tights - the boys wear shorts, year round.

To be fair, outdoor play issues are settled with over trousers for all, and they spend a fair amount of the day in tracksuits anyway.

Good luck, OP.

Trousers are warmer than skirts and tights. Can we put that stupid argument to bed please? When I used to work outside in winter, I certainly didn't do it in a nice a-line skirt and tights. Also, woolly tights are Satan's own garment and a complete pain for little girls to get on and off.

There have been lots of good suggestions for wording of a letter. I honestly thought these battles had been fought and won in the 80s, when I was at secondary school.

"Parents", my DH is totally incapable of sorting his own clothing. thus I'd automatically say Mothers.

He is entirely capable of dressing DDs including tights, if the items are left out for him, but he can't open a wardrobe and recognise school trousers

Also having never worn a skirt on a freezing cold Welsh morning, he wouldn't understand why I'd be so annoyed.

He has worn my school skirt on a warm Welsh Summers evening, but that's another story.

I am amazed at how many parents here are saying that trousers are banned - where on earth are these schools?? I honestly thought that this battle was done and dusted a long time ago.

I also think that a schools skirt policy shouldn't be on the radar when it comes to what school they go to. All the other things are important,and a no trouser policy needs challenging - so what better opportunity.

But I just cannot understand for the life of me the point in not allowing girls to wear trousers.Why ever not? If there was one tiny weeny good practical reason I may have something to grasp on to for a glimmer of understanding. But there is no practical reason I can think of.
Unless someone can explain differently the only reason I can see is because someone thought it was proper that girls wear skirts only.

And that just ain't good enough.

Dons flak jacket and whispers.

until I was 7 I went to a right on school in the 60s, it had no uniform but girls weren't allowed to wear trousers>if you knew the uniform code before you sent your daughter there, why didn't you find an alternative school that fitted with your views>when I was at secondary school about a quarter of the girls cycled, wearing a skirt and it really wasn't an issue; neither did any of the boys from the neighbouring boys' school look up anyone's skirt">my dd has attended three schools; two state, one independent - none of them have allowed trousers - we looked at the best school for dd, not the uniform code>tights are actually quite warm and believe it or not my ds insisted on wearing shorts, even in winter (with long socks) until he was 11 because he used to get too hot at school because the heating was always too high.

Real issues are having a good pastoral code, a good safeguarding ethos, an excellent standard of education; in the context of literacy, numeracy and excellent extra curricular activities; teachers who care and good communication. I really wouldn't sweat the small stuff like what they have to wear - if it matters that much to you, send you children to a school with no uniform or where they let girls wear trousers. There used to be a debate at our dc's primary about how much the muslim families wanted and needed there girls to wear trousers for modesty reasons. It was all about empowerment

Just another POV - don't get too upset by it...

OK - 'flatter figure" is a misnomer - to hide figure... bellies and bums are better hidden in a boring old A line skirt.

I just don't assume that trousers=good and skirt=bad.

Culottes suggestion was just another idea you could give to the governors.

You don't see Duchess of Cornwall in tight-fitting George at Asda £3 stretchy trousers, do you? even when she's planting trees...

Nonnomum - I don't get what you mean. What does uniform policy have to do with what is most physically allurining on pre-pubescent children?

Just send in a few cuttings from the papers of those 'high court battle over boys in skirts' kind of thing then send her in wearing trousers

YANBU. Outrageous discrimination. If this isn't illegal, it should be.

nonnomum - is uniform to 'flatter figures' then? Is that what is important to your daughter, that her appearance is pleasing?

"Get the other mothers to do likewise."
^^^

Parents.