Child is cold - summer uniform related

[Creasedtie]

DD is at a private prep school. They have very strict rules about uniforms and now that the weather is better they are asked to come strictly in their summer uniforms (thin summer dress, which socks, can wear a cardigan and the blazer).

My DD is always cold (as I am). We like to be wrapped up unless the temperatures are well in their 20ies. This morning it was 7° when we left so she put a pair of white tights rather than socks and she was still cold. I know it's going to warm up later on and she'll be ok. But it's only going to be about 18°-19° today so definitely not very warm.

I know a lot of kids don't feel the cold, I see loads in playgrounds with barely anything on in the winter, but when you have a child who can't bear the cold, what do you do?

I work in a school with this rule too. Were the tights not acceptable? They’ll make the biggest difference I think, quite a few of our girls wear them under a summer dress on colder days. I guess just layering up under the dress, vests etc, and wearing the permitted cardigan and blazer?

18-19outside is warm that's room temperature it's not hot but it's definitely warm if it is a real problem you just need to speak to school

I was the always cold child, I feel your (and her) pain.

If school will allow, wear tights. If not, long socks and you can buy warmer ones if necessary. Then under the skirt some kind of short leggings that are shorter than the skirt - I always found if I could keep my thighs warm, the rest of me was less cold.

Vests. My dad has worn a vest every day of his life and I have largely been the same. It makes a huge difference. You can also get thermal vests that are extra thin but still warm.

Is she allowed to wear a (school) scarf, even though it's summer?

Thank you very much for your advice. Tights are not really acceptable but it was way too cold for her this morning, so she put them on. I'll look into knee high warm socks.

And vests too, DD is saying they told her vests under her dress are not acceptable but I'm not going to give up on that on cold days.

We both have underactive thyroid so this might have something to do with it.

If it becomes a big issue I'll have to speak to the school.

@OhBling Thank you, I'll look into thermal vests, that's a great idea.

She's not allowed to wear a school scarf in the summer term, only in winter/spring. Hope for a warm June 🙏

I think if she has an underactive thyroid and that's causing her to really feel the cold I would be persuading them to let her wear winter uniform as long as she wants on the basis of a reasonable adjustment for her disability/long term health condition?

DC also at a private prep school with the same style of uniform as you describe.

Knickers, vest and cycling shorts, plus short sleeve t shirt if necessary under dress. All of which invisible under dress, and all counts as underwear anyway so nothing to do with uniform.

Are her shoes warm enough? Girls school shoes are often quite dainty. We bought a spare pair from sainsburys and they're more chunky with a thick rubber sole ('trendy') and daughter says they are better on wet days so presumably warmer too.

I think if she's allowed to wear layers under her summer uniform, she should be ok. I'll have to approach the school if June is a cold month.

Surely if she has an underactive thyroid, they should treat extra layers as a medical necessity, and would be discriminating if they don’t allow her warmer clothes? Can you get a GP’s note?

Oh I didn't think about shoes. She's wearing navy blue ones though, so not easy to find. Most shops have black.

I need to find thermal vests that are more discreet.

And vests too, DD is saying they told her vests under her dress are not acceptable

I think if she's allowed to wear layers under her summer uniform, she should be ok.

If she's allowed? I disagree with, but can understand why a school would have a summer uniform, but surely school can't dictate what your child is wearing under their school uniform.

How would they know she’s wearing a vest? If the top bit peeps through where the neck is, it could also be a crop top which many girls wear and often have a highish neckline. And I can’t see any reason for them not allowing that.

We haven't discussed these needs before as she just joined in April plus she was wearing her winter uniform and jacket until last week, which was perfect. I'm just worried now seeing the weather is not very warm and she complains about being cold every day.

It’s been a cold summer term! DD’s prep say in the uniform requirements it should be ankle socks with the summer dress but in practice are actually fine with white tights or knee socks and that’s without a medical reason. I’d continue to send her in tights and if they say anything then remind them of her under active thyroid.

And there’s no way they should be saying anything about a vest, that’s underwear! I’m sure a lot of the prep 6 girls need a crop top or bralette, would they say that’s not allowed?!

If she has an under active thyroid, then they need to adjust for her disability.

All her vests are peeping through the neck as we weren't prepared for this. I need to find something better.

Oh I'm glad we are not the only ones who think it's too cold.

You really don't. The school need to stop dictating what children wear under their clothes.

Plus they emailed us at the beginning of the week about PE kits and that the girls should not wear long trousers anymore and come in their shorts. I still sent her in her long trousers yesterday. She said she was just right.

I feel sorry for your DD. My DC1 and I are always cold. I don't wear short sleeved t-shirts until well into the mid 20s. And shorts and skirts almost never in this country. DC1 is still wear her school jumper and tights. DC2 is in her summer dress. DC1 often complained during covid when the teachers leave all the windows open and they weren't allowed her to wear her coat indoors.

I think schools are ridiculous when can't understand we don't all feel the heat/cold the same. You have my sympathies.

Can she wear shorts underneath as well? A vest, shorts and long knee socks. The shorts won't be visible unless she does cartwheels.

Oh it's DEFINITELY the thyroid, I was going to suggest getting it checked before I read this as feeling the cold unless your in the 20s is not normal.

Insist to school that they allow her to be warmer, it's a medical condition!

Thermal vest underneath and these tights or similar, with socks!

100 Denier Thick Opaque Tights by Women's Wardrobe Amazing Quality https://amzn.eu/d/iYHz3UP

In that case, I’d give the SENCo a quick call and explain.