To think that school uniform policies can be a little ott?

[anditwasallyellow]

Probably in the minority here.

I agree with the principle of a uniform but I think sometimes they are a little impractical and uncomfortable. Cannot see the point in blazers, blazer and work style trousers you are basically in a suit which is hardly the most comfortable thing to wear all day. And ties, especially for small children, ds new school has a tie policy even for the reception kids, it's on a bit of string!

My school had a great uniform a school tracksuit which consisted of a sweatshirt with the school logo, polo shirt underneath and sweatshirt trousers, looked awful but we were all the same and it was comfy and practical. Summer uniform was summer dresses for the girls and polo shirt and sweatshirt style shorts for the boys.

Why is it so awful for some people to see children looking a bit scruffy? If you can't be scruffy as a child, when can you?

I can also understand the arguments about very traditional uniforms, on older girls especially, looking a bit fetishy. Neither teenage girls in normal dress, nor adult women, go around in blazers and ties and knee socks, unless it's for fancy dress or sexplay.

Trouble with uniform is that there are few that look good on all body shapes. If you are an adult, and being in uniform was part of the job you'd be far more likely to get your uniform altered... and you don't have the problem that your body is changing shape. (Not to mention that if you are in the army or police for example, you have a more limited range of body shapes due to the nature of the job).

With school uniform you get kids who are trying to wear things that look bloody awful for their shape. It can't do much for confidence. It doesn't teach them to wear clothes that suit them better and make the most of what they have got. Instead it makes you compare yourself more with others.

Given we have such issues with body image, I can't help but think uniform does little to help as it exaggerates some issues, that if someone could dress for themselves, they'd be be more able to hide.

Hmmm... you may think my opinions are stupid. That is entirely your choice.

I absolutely stand by my opinion that Britain is falling at it's knees because the younger generation are virtually allowed to raise themselves - they are spoiled for choice and on my last visit to the UK I was shocked at the total disregard many of the youngsters I met had for anything or anybody.

I think it's entirely stupid to give young children more choice than they need or can deal with and definitely do attribute this to the diabolical levels of poor behaviour, bullying and at worst violence that pervades many parts of Britain these days!

Hiding this thread - but before I go - A TOTAL PAH to no uniforms, no conformity, no respect for rules, unconditional parenting, unschooling and most other choices which give parents an easy out of making hard decisions!!!!

queenofdiamonds yes sportswear can look OK in the right environment, team GB athletes all look smart, because they are wearing a uniform, in the same way your riding gear is specialist clothing for a particular activity. Sitting in a classroom is like being in an office and I think smart clothing is appropriate not tracksuits.

I suggest that if teachers put as much energy into, say, lesson planning or..mm..teaching, as they do into shouting at children about the texture of their trousers of the colour of their shoes, then perhaps UK schools might be more successful. I believe that one of the most successful comps in London has no uniform. Schools across Europe do not have uniforms, do they?

Where do teachers get the will to care if a child's shirt is fully tucked in?

A strict uniform policy does give teenagers a 'safe' way to rebel

Sitting in a classroom is like being in an office

It really shouldn't be, you know.

I agree, Haberdashery, and since child labour is (still) illegal, I don't think we should be dressing children up like office drones anyway.

A strict uniform policy does give teenagers a 'safe' way to rebel - and so take up hours of teacher time squeaking about uniform?
I would rather teachers spent their time teaching or maintaining order between classes to be honest.

Hear hear, Mary.