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Original poster

Uniform thread update.. MP meeting tomorrow

57 replies

Fisharefriendsnotfood · 11/12/2014 09:33

Hi

I've had a long running thread about my dd's school not allowing girls to wear trousers as part of uniform.. Can't link as on phone. Anyway, all attempts to get school to change policy have failed and due to dd crying with the cold last week we got her a Dr note and she is now wearing trousers.

I still want this ridiculous rule changed though. I have a meeting with my MO tomorrow to try and get his support and to float the idea that it should be illegal for schools to discriminate in this manner as it is in employment situations.

Anyway, any tips for me ahead of the meeting? I've hardly slept al week and am far from feeing at the top of my game

OP posts:
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Lio · 15/12/2014 09:20

I am so pleased you are pursuing this with the help of your MP. Really hoping this rule will disappear at your daughter's school along with the Headteacher, but your point is a wider one and sensible guidance could benefit other children.

nooka · 14/12/2014 00:41

Was it true in the past and has changed then? Me and my siblings never wore our primary school uniform, but all wore uniform for secondary school. Not quite sure what my mother's rationale was, but I know it wasn't an issue at school - I can remember my mother being told that it would probably make us happier to wear the same stuff as everyone else, but we were never sent home or punished. My understanding is that the school was not allowed to punish or exclude us.

EdithWeston · 13/12/2014 18:54

"I thought that primaries weren't allowed to enforce school uniform anyway"

This is often repeated online, but it is not actually the case.

nooka · 13/12/2014 17:35

I thought that primaries weren't allowed to enforce school uniform anyway? My mother sent me and my siblings to a Catholic primary school with full uniform requirements in clothes that she preferred (a kilt for some reason, I really wish she hadn't!) and I'm sure that there was a loophole that mean she got away with it. Long long ago though.

It seems so ridiculous to make girls where skirts when the majority of women wear trousers most of the time now. But then I really don't understand the benefits of uniform full stop now my children are in a no uniform system and suffering no downside.

Good luck fish, and well done on getting a solution for your little girl at least.

treaclesoda · 13/12/2014 17:04

No secondary schools in my area allow girls to wear trousers. It blows my mind that they get away with it. Although there are a lot of women where I live whose families wouldn't allow them to wear trousers, so a trousers for all policy wouldn't work either.

Local primary schools don't officially allow trousers either but if you send a girl wearing trousers nothing will be said about it as long as it matches what the boys wear.

Good luck with the meeting. I would have loved to have been allowed to wear trousers to school and wish a parent at my school would have taken up the battle for us.

NormaStanleyFletcher · 13/12/2014 16:24

Well done fish.

ArchangelGallic · 13/12/2014 08:27

I wonder how they'd react to a boy wanting to wear a skirt? Seems a bit hypocritical coming from an institution where men routinely wear dresses.

Hope you get a good result.

DouglasRIchardson · 13/12/2014 08:16

Primary school Scotland in the 1980s we (boys) had to wear shorts all year round...at least it's a bit more equal. However, yes it is silly that girls don't have a choice.

PuffinsAreFictitious · 12/12/2014 21:56

Well done Fish!

SconeRhymesWithGone · 12/12/2014 19:19

Well done Fish! So happy you are seeing this though.

MinceSpy · 12/12/2014 18:08

OP glad the MP is doing something.

MollyMaDurga · 12/12/2014 17:56

Ah I see. Gosh they are a stubborn lot arent't they. Good that you are too!

Original poster
Fisharefriendsnotfood · 12/12/2014 17:52

Sorry I should have made it clear, he wrote to the head and the board months ago to no avail. He said it seems pointless to waste more paper so would step it up a level

OP posts:
MollyMaDurga · 12/12/2014 17:46

Yeah. I wished he'd just get on the phone with the head and get it sorted. But I guess it being a state school it would make sense that it should be taken care of by the DfE. But.. slow wheels, election coming up, department chaotic (is it? It seems like it is anyway).. not the most efficient for your daughter and other girls now.
Church may be quicker but then again, ... Confused
Hm.

Original poster
Fisharefriendsnotfood · 12/12/2014 17:41

It's not as gung-ho as I would have liked but it's a lot better than nothing..

OP posts:
MollyMaDurga · 12/12/2014 17:40

Is that good? You seem happy? He is certainly taking it up a level or two or more,.. wow.

Original poster
Fisharefriendsnotfood · 12/12/2014 16:50

He is going to write to minister for education and head of the Catholic Church in England and ask them to get involved Smile

OP posts:
AmberTheCat · 12/12/2014 15:01

Good luck, Fish! Can't believe you're having to do this, but great that you are.

Original poster
Fisharefriendsnotfood · 12/12/2014 13:24

Am nervous Confused

OP posts:
TeWiSavesTheDay · 12/12/2014 12:08

I think it's always been common in religious schools. At my Catholic school only Muslim girls were allowed to wear trousers.

BreakingDad77 · 12/12/2014 09:33

Agree with printscreen - my state school back in 90's girls could wear trousers. I think our school was good as you just needed dark shoes, black trousers, smart shirts and the only things you had to buy specifically were the school jumpers and ties.

Has there been some roll back?

Homeriliad · 12/12/2014 08:27

I'm amazed that a school is still allowed to have this policy. I hope the OP is successful in ending this stupid rule.

cheminotte · 12/12/2014 08:26

Good luck Fish !

sashh · 12/12/2014 07:13

Good luck

Veryan123 · 11/12/2014 23:43

OP, the school's conduct is already unlawful under the Equality Act. This prevents sex discrimination in schools (and the policy you describe is unlawful direct discrimination on the ground of sex). You might want to look at the Equality and Human Rights Commission's guidance for schools (on their website).

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