Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Child is cold - summer uniform related

44 replies

Creasedtie · 26/05/2023 08:39

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?

OP posts:
Original poster
Creasedtie · 26/05/2023 09:20

Thank you all for your advice.

She is allowed to wear white shorts under her dress so I just got her a few pairs. I'm buying some knee high socks and I'll look into thermal vests as well. So hopefully that will get us through the rest of the summer term. Winter is easier as they are allowed tights, scarves, hats and you can easily get quite a few layers under her winter uniform.

OP posts:
BlackAmericanoNoSugar · 26/05/2023 09:32

I assume the cardigan is a uniform item, so it has to come from the uniform shop and you can't swap it for a warmer version in the same colour. In which case could you buy the next size up and have it lined in thin thermal fleece fabric? Even if you just did inside the arms it would make a difference and it wouldn't be visible to staff.

Catspyjamas17 · 26/05/2023 09:39

Vests are not acceptable? Honestly, where do some schools get off?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Families
SleepingisanArt · 26/05/2023 09:59

Look for thermal socks too.

Original poster
Creasedtie · 26/05/2023 10:07

BlackAmericanoNoSugar · 26/05/2023 09:32

I assume the cardigan is a uniform item, so it has to come from the uniform shop and you can't swap it for a warmer version in the same colour. In which case could you buy the next size up and have it lined in thin thermal fleece fabric? Even if you just did inside the arms it would make a difference and it wouldn't be visible to staff.

Oh, I never thought of this. Such a great idea 💡 . That'll be good for winter too.

OP posts:
haveitallnow · 26/05/2023 10:11

We have same problem.

Uniqlo heat tech top and shorts. Sorted. Lots of choice of neck style and sleeve length and three levels of warmth. Game changer.

garlictwist · 26/05/2023 10:13

I remember having this issue at school, even in winter uniform. I would wear vests underneath my clothes and two pullovers at once.

Original poster
Creasedtie · 26/05/2023 10:13

Catspyjamas17 · 26/05/2023 09:39

Vests are not acceptable? Honestly, where do some schools get off?

I think they don't like them peeping out of the neck area 🤔

I'll have a discussion with her teacher after half term. I think once the temperatures are above 23/24° it'll will be absolutely fine. It's just that the weather here is so inconsistent, they should allow variations in the clothing on colder days. I remember some June days of 13/14° in previous years so I'm preparing myself for that.

OP posts:
Original poster
Creasedtie · 26/05/2023 10:14

haveitallnow · 26/05/2023 10:11

We have same problem.

Uniqlo heat tech top and shorts. Sorted. Lots of choice of neck style and sleeve length and three levels of warmth. Game changer.

Brilliant. I'll go to Uniqlo! I very rarely go into this shop.

OP posts:
Original poster
Creasedtie · 26/05/2023 10:14

garlictwist · 26/05/2023 10:13

I remember having this issue at school, even in winter uniform. I would wear vests underneath my clothes and two pullovers at once.

😔

OP posts:
Angelwearsdior · 26/05/2023 10:19

We have the opposite, so in winter it's a waxed type jacket which is nowhere near being warm enough and in the summer, it's cord shorts and a sweater which is very very warm even though it's not summer yet.

Original poster
Creasedtie · 26/05/2023 10:26

Angelwearsdior · 26/05/2023 10:19

We have the opposite, so in winter it's a waxed type jacket which is nowhere near being warm enough and in the summer, it's cord shorts and a sweater which is very very warm even though it's not summer yet.

Oh how odd! Are you in the UK?

OP posts:
Angelwearsdior · 26/05/2023 10:27

@Creasedtie yes in the UK.

Coolblur · 26/05/2023 10:34

Can the school actually dictate what underwear the kids have on (vests, cycling short style etc)? Surely that's overstepping the mark. How would they even know? This doesn't happen at most non fee paying schools who maintain uniform standards so it's completely ridiculous to paying for the privilege of such nonsense.

Get your DD what she needs to keep warm, she can't learn properly if she's cold all the time. If the school get funny play the medical card, though you shouldn't have to.

Original poster
Creasedtie · 26/05/2023 10:40

Coolblur · 26/05/2023 10:34

Can the school actually dictate what underwear the kids have on (vests, cycling short style etc)? Surely that's overstepping the mark. How would they even know? This doesn't happen at most non fee paying schools who maintain uniform standards so it's completely ridiculous to paying for the privilege of such nonsense.

Get your DD what she needs to keep warm, she can't learn properly if she's cold all the time. If the school get funny play the medical card, though you shouldn't have to.

They have their uniform rules! I'm usually compliant and so is my DD, so we don't challenge much generally 😄. Just trying to find ways to keep both the school and DD happy.

I can see most parents don't see any issues and a lot of kids don't seem to feel the cold (some of the older girls were wearing their summer uniform since April).

OP posts:
Cottagecheeseisnotcheese · 26/05/2023 11:29

a child feeling cold when it is 20C is unusual Isuggest you double check with GP if anything can be done about underactive thyroid lots of kids feel too hot in anything more than short and t shirts at 16C especially when running around outside

FlounderingFruitcake · 26/05/2023 11:34

Maybe try the camisole style of vests with thin straps- they sit lower than the sleeveless styles

Bunnycat101 · 26/05/2023 12:00

It really is ridiculous. The school is supposed to be supporting the children to thrive. Your daughter has a condition that is making her feel the cold. Therefore them getting arsey over a tiny bit of vest showing is just not putting the child first. In all honesty who actually cares that they can see a vest through a dress?

As someone who often feels the cold, it is my feet that can make a difference. Even if they enforce the short sock thing I accidentally got some really thick ones in M&S for my daughter - they’re noticeably thicker than the normal ones and quite cosy. Something like that or even wearing two pairs might help.

Original poster
Creasedtie · 26/05/2023 13:02

Thank you @FlounderingFruitcake and
@Bunnycat101

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page