Why do schools feel the need to implement uniform rules on additional clothing to combat the cold?

[FindingMeno]

With doors and windows open to try to reduce covid infection this Spring term, why on earth are uniform rules being implemented on additional clothing?
Specific guidelines on the types of coats that may be worn in class. No hats, scarves, gloves. And not to mention the colours allowed for face masks.
Are all schools like this? Does anyone understand the reasoning?
Or is this just an example of schools putting in place unnecessary rules just because they can?
Obviously I understand some extremes may not be acceptable, but, really, is the wrong colour coat or face mask a big deal given the times we're living in?

The point of having a uniform is to be reasonably uniform. You could argue that nowhere should ever have a uniform because it would always be possible to do whatever in other clothes. But still they persists- for ease, for sense of belonging, for identity. None of which have become less because if the pandemic.

Specifying colour is fine. How far they specify coats is OK if it's reasonable (I'm guessing they're not emulating private schools which sell for own supplier or specify brand/style)

The important thing is that the child is warm.

Utterly pointless, a waste of time, unnecessary stress on kids who have to sit in cold classrooms, and families who quite frankly have enough shit to deal with.

I agree op

When you paid 2-400 quid to get through the door we are now being expected to spend nore money we don't have on extra layers.

If they have a problem with a red jumper cos the black ones you own are in the wash then that shouldn't be my problem.tbh

Shut the windows or shut up is what I.would like to say.

It's ridiculous. The vast majority of workplaces would never try and pull that shit off. No one tolerates excessive air con or broken heating without layering up and drinking endless hot drinks. We even have hot water bottles in our desks. We work less well when we're too cold or too hot.

Pupils should be able to wear what they need to keep warm.

I had years of this as an external provider going to schools for outside activities.

In winter most were cold. I used to tell them to ignore the uniform rules and wear layers.
It’s a safeguarding issue imo

I am not sure I could even write very easily in a freezing classroom with no fingerless gloves on.

Totally agree Op, it’s ridiculous and cruel to expect children to be cold all day for the sake of how they look. It isn’t a fashion show, FFS!

I’d be livid if my child was cold all day, not only because of the unnecessary discomfort, but also because it will obviously distract from learning.

This sort of idiotic pettifogging needs to change.

The school I work in are quite strict on the usually stuff like ties being worn, no jewellery, shirts tucked in, no trainers etc. In terms of coats and the colours of face masks, they don't mind what the students wear.

My DS10 has taken to wearing 2 school fleeces to keep warm because the teacher said they're not allowed to wear coats in class. This, even though she wears her coat in class. I didn't complain last term because it wasn't that cold. I'll see how this week goes and speak to them if he's still cold.

As long as the clothing or masks don't have, e.g. offensive slogans on them the children should be allowed to wear what's needed to keep them warm.

Some people feel the cold more than others so a blanket rule isn't appropriate.

It’s ridiculous to expect children to sit all day in this freezing weather.

DD's school already has rules about coats and scarves so nothing new for us. Gloves are fine, so far nobody complained about DD's ones.

The rules are. strict in general in her school.

The head tried to implement school colour face masks only, 1 week prior to return in September 2020, it lasted 2 days until she caved in. At that point most had masks already so parents weren't happy to buy extras for the sake of a colour scheme (especially as none of the teachers and other staff had to do so).

I am not a fan of uniform anyway but in some cases it really gets annoying now.

that is appalling that they are not allowed to wear coats yet the teacher is

We got a letter yesterday to say wear base layers, not visible through the uniform as windows and doors will be open all day. They will not be allowed to wear coats. I mean wtf? It's -1 here right now and not going to get above 5 according to the forecast. These are primary kids.

Mine have a thermal vest that they are refusing to wear and wear skirt and socks. What base layer that is non visible can you wear with skirt and socks? Fingerless gloves also not allowed.

Base layers are usually black
Of course u will see them.through white shirts

My kids hate long sleeve shorts so wear short sleeves. U can therfore see them . Bit isn't that the point of base layers. That they are a layer. Not some invisible item

@itwasntaparty that is beyond ludicrous.
I hope they have a rebellion.

God this reminds me of my school, they turned the heating off over the Xmas holiday and the pipes burst. We had a week off then we had to go back to freezing classrooms.

Uniform was skirts, so no trousers even though it was freezing.

We already had uniform coats and scarves but I can't remember if they were allowed.

Bloody stupid in this weather and if you are wearing two or three layers you are probably not able to wear clean uniform every day so that's making things worse.

The government should issue something about this to stop schools being stupid.

My dc's secondary (which has a quite strict smart uniform) sent a helpful list of what they "can" wear - coat and or school PE top over blazer, dark coloured plain jumper under blazer, base layers that mustn't be visible.

Dc3's primary sent a long list of things they couldn't wear. Just sums up the difference between the schools for me, that primary loves unnecessary restrictions.
Dc now refusing to wear uniform-coloured fleece with small logo because it "isn't an official school fleece and they aren't allowed logos in the classroom". (It's not a trendy logo by the way, just Mountain Warehouse, like her coat.)

There have never been any rules on coat colours or logos on coats, so why they feel the need to have them now just because they are wearing them indoors is beyond me.

Base layers are rubbish for kids that walk in and get too hot and sweaty. Pupils should be treated like office workers and be able to layer up when sitting still.

I hate this kind of petty rule-making. I like basic school uniform; I think it's a good way of levelling the students, as long as it's chosen to be comfortable, robust, and not too expensive. But currently we're in an unprecedented situation; many families are struggling financially; kids just need to be warm and comfortable. Parents who happen to have bought a red coat in autumn shouldn't be expected for now fork out for a blue one just because the school have decided that that's the rule.

I'm thankful that my kids go to a school where the principal's attitude is that she wants the children to be in school, warm, happy, and comfortable.

Headteachers are such petty dictators. The weather is cold but the windows must be open because of an “unprecedented” virus that has been here for nearly two years! Time to relax about their jumpers! I don’t think they care a jot about child welfare.

I agree. I have emailed my DC asking for leniency or flexibility on uniform.
At any other time I encourage adherence to uniform standards (although I do have a big issue with uniform having to come from a compulsory supplier)
Our school allows coats, hats, scarves and gloves but insists full school uniform is worn underneath which I think is ridiculous. Girls should be allowed to wear trousers instead of wearing skirts and tights, or boots instead of shoes. My DD got chilblains last winter, I think from spending so long in cold classrooms and outside at all break times. And a Jersey top and fleece would be warmer and easier to work in than a shirt and blazer. I can't imagine how they will be able to write at all if they're layered up like Michelin man.

My DD is year 11. The most important thing for me at the moment is that she feels she is learning enough to be able to sit whatever exams they might have and get as decent grades as she can.
Unless they are wearing anything that could be deemed offensive (which is unlikely) getting kids at school and learning, in whatever is a suitable amount of clothing for the weather is the key thing. I wonder if the teachers are subjected to such strict rules?

Good god no, my DC's school told us they can wear whatever they want in order to stay warm. But then again I'm in Ireland and they go to a lovely little village school where they abandon the uniform at any opportunity 🤣