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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think pre-school uniform is a bit sad?

159 replies

CulturalBear · 05/09/2014 16:45

It's that time of year, the FB full of cute pics of kids off to school for the first time.

This year though I noticed a huge number of those heading to pre-school are in full-on actual primary school uniform.

They're barely 3 years old some of them! AIBU to think this is a bit OTT and frankly, sad, trying to force kids into conforming and growing up at earlier and earlier ages?

I could understand taster days in the last few weeks before summer (possibly) but for a whole year? Seems a bit much...

OP posts:
halfdrunkcoffee · 05/09/2014 22:08

OP, I completely agree. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of school uniforms full stop, although I can see the merits for older children. But for tiny three-year-olds, some of whom are barely out of nappies? There will be plenty of time for uniform later. Other countries seem to manage perfectly well without them. I also think it is quite ugly (grey and white).

DS doesn't mind the trousers and t-shirt, but he refuses to wear the £12.50 crested jumper (which is massive on him) and he only wants to wear sandals rather than black shoes. Hopefully I will have more luck when the weather gets colder. It also means more washing, as he gets changed after nursery to prevent him staining his white t-shirt (white is not a good colour for three-year-olds). All his clothes are fair game for getting trashed anyway, so I wouldn't mind if he got a bit of paint on them at nursery. DS's nursery uniform also includes a tie, although not all the children wear one. I think at that age the most important thing is that clothes are suitable for messy play, being active and going to the toilet independently.

In addition, there's no guarantee that getting a place at nursery guarantees a place at reception, so for some parents it could be a big financial outlay just for one year.

I have read that in theory places that take the 15 hours funding can't enforce a uniform as it is supposed to be completely free.

LadyCelia · 05/09/2014 22:29

YABU. I prefer the uniform option, it saves me having to faff around in the mornings trying to find him something comfortable to wear that isn't totally scruffy, needs ironing or has been clawed by the cat. Also, the uniform tracksuit bottoms make it nice & easy for DS to go to the loo all by himself, no buttons/zips to worry about (bearing in mind he was only 3 in the summer, and pre-school this year leave them to go to the loo by themselves by the looks of things). And it's pretty hard wearing stuff too, plus they all seem to like wearing the same outfit!

The shoes are annoying though, as we've had to buy expensive Clarks black velcro tabbed shoes rather than his nice comfortable Carrefour trainers for this year.

Stealthpolarbear · 05/09/2014 22:32

But presumably loo friendly non uniform clothes exist?

Stealthpolarbear · 05/09/2014 22:33

And a uniform is just a subset of all his clothes. If you struggle to find clean/ironed stuff in the morning (not. Judgement, same here) why is uniform easier?

Thenapoleonofcrime · 05/09/2014 22:37

And the fabric is mostly revolting: I don't see why I should have to dress him in stuff I would never consider putting near my own skin totally agree with this, horrible polyester clothes, all school uniform is awful except the pure cotton tops. I wouldn't want a uniform at all in primary, children don't look 'cute' the stuff washes badly, bobbles and looks cheap. It doesn't make everyone look the same- scruffy children still look scruffy, prim ones look smart, some have clothes that don't fit- I can't see how it would be worse to have ordinary non-uniform clothes to play in especially as clothes are pretty cheap these days.

I didn't have a uniform in primary, many schools on the Continent don't either.

SoonToBeSix · 05/09/2014 22:38

My dd's primary has a nursery attached. The uniform is the same as the main school , proper shirt and tie, pinafore/skirt and cardigan. I think they look very cute.

LadyCelia · 05/09/2014 22:46

Stealth Uniform doesn't need any ironing or thinking about. I am not a morning person Grin Otherwise I will probably get into the same state I do about my own clothes (Shit, that has a stain right down the front that I missed, start again with whole outfit, oh fuck, now we're late etc..)

Loo friendly outfits for 3 yr olds without parental/teacher help is only going to be tracksuit bottoms or loose shorts, so its just easier to have the main ones for weekdays & jeans etc for the weekend when I am around to help/show him how to do them up properly.

JapaneseMargaret · 05/09/2014 22:47

But presumably loo friendly non uniform clothes exist?

Yes, otherwise known as trackpants, leggings and elasticated trousers. :) I.e the sorts of clothes you'd send your child in anyway, I'd have thought.

Weird to think that uniforms have the monopoly on this. It is just up to the parents to ensure they send their children in, in the right clothes. Esp if they know/assume kids go to the loo by themselves.

Nonie241419 · 05/09/2014 22:55

The nursery school I sent my elder two DC to had an optional uniform sweatshirt. I never put either of mine in them. They went to nursery in clothes I didn't mind getting muddy/wet/stained. Since they've left, a new Head has started and she has made the uniform compulsory. I am (possibly overly) irked that DC3 will HAVE to wear uniform when her brothers didn't.

SarniaCherie · 05/09/2014 22:59

DS didn't wear the optional preschool uniform. DD started at the same preschool 2 years later. This time we were given one free preschool branded polo shirt by the preschool as a welcome gift.
Now she is in the next size up I have bought 2 more as she likes wearing her uniform for "little school" like her older brother wears his for " big school".

This term (i.e. Paid for shirts as opposed to the freebie last year) I would say that only about 25% of the children are wearing the shirts and pretty much all of those that do have older siblings. Children love playing at dress up and I think that is how DD views her preschool uniform.

I wouldn't want to dress her up in full uniform but have no problem with a polo shirt that is comfortable, practical and luckily DD's favourite colour.

JapaneseMargaret · 05/09/2014 22:59

I'm not sure that looking cute is the main priority, though.

I thought it was bad enough that 4-year olds went into school in ties and pinafores, but pre-schoolers?

Early childhood education is about developing and building skills through play. I don't see how you can muck about in a sandpit or swing or go down a slide in a tie and full uniform....?

Notso · 05/09/2014 23:25

Uniform doesn't need any ironing...
Uniform is one of the only things I do iron!

sunnyrosegarden · 05/09/2014 23:34

Haven't read the whole thread, but ds1 went into uniform in his day nursery when he turned two!

Polo shirt, sweatshirt, tracksuit bottoms.

By the time ds2 was there, the rules had changed, and he webt into uniform at 3.5 years.

Didn't actually make much difference - uniform was slightly easier, as only had three changes of clothes, so I think it worked out cheaper.

Scarletbanner · 05/09/2014 23:41

Why on earth would a nursery insist on proper shirt and tie? Who puts a 3yo in a tie? That's just properly bonkers! Why would it even occur to anyone to think that one up? (perplexed)

SoonToBeSix · 06/09/2014 00:04

Most dc in the nursery/ reception wear elastic ties. It is a Catholic school so the uniform is stricter.

TheCunnyFunt · 06/09/2014 00:11

My niece and nephew went to a private prep school for a couple of years. My niece started at 3 but the school accept from age 2, the winter uniform is a blouse, pinafore dress, tie, blazer, bowler type hats (not sure of the name) and certain colour socks. Summer uniform is a summer dress, white socks, blazer (depending on how hot it was) and a straw boater. Yes, a fucking straw boater hat for two year olds!

They've left that school now.

usualsuspectagain · 06/09/2014 00:15

It's horrible. 3 year olds shouldn't look smart

TheCunnyFunt · 06/09/2014 00:16

The boys wore trousers or shorts obviously :o

And the ties were proper ties, not elastic ones!

usualsuspectagain · 06/09/2014 00:25

They don't look cute, they look ridiculous.

Goldenbear · 06/09/2014 00:32

I don't have clothes that I mind/don't mind my 3 year old wearing in specific settings- she just has 'clothes'. I think I am very much of the mindset that they have just exited babyhood at 3 and I think thats what it boils down to. My DD has no desire to wear a uniform like her 7 year old brother, I suppose if she did then I would argue it makes more sense. I just enjoy the age my children are at at this given time and I think wearing a uniform at 3 represents a parting from their age prematurely.

LittleBearPad · 06/09/2014 00:35

Saw a picture of a 2.4 year old last night on Facebook in a uniform that included a tie, blazer and cap. Madness.

Metalgoddess · 06/09/2014 12:09

Yanbu I think it's sad at 2 and 3 years going to school never mind wearing uniforms

Purplepoodle · 06/09/2014 14:03

It's optional in our preschool, they just have polo shirt and jumper. Must admit I was a bit shocked to see some kids in proper school trousers/skirts. I sent mine in joggers and he looked so cute. Kind of takes the shine off properly starting school IMO

HippyPottyMouth · 06/09/2014 22:37

I have a friend who lives overseas, who's having to send her 1-year-old to nursery in full uniform! A baby! I'll be trying to send DD to a non-uniform nursery when the time comes, but if the best or most convenient one requires it, then we'll suck it up and fasten her into the polyester.

Original poster
CulturalBear · 06/09/2014 23:50

Really interesting to read the different views though.

I do feel sad though - looking cute and/or providing convenient options for parents should not be the priority.

Their individuality and personality should be.

I just don't get it Sad

OP posts: