To be fuming with school.....

[Inthebathtub]

DD is 13 and as teenagers do, filling out in all the areas you'd expect a girl to. She has 2 pairs of school trousers that were bought in line with the school policy of no leggings or skinny leg trousers.
I've noticed they've become a bit snug around her bottom and thighs recently and as I literally live in a small village, don't drive, and nearest major shopping town is an hour away by bus, we've planned on a shopping outing in easter hols. I would go sooner but there's not enough time after school on the evenings I'm off and I work every sat and sun in the villiage. Had the hols not been so close I'd have ordered online but the couple of weeks also means I can put a bit aside each week and get a couple of decent pairs for her.
I get a snotty call from the teacher today complaining that DD's uniform isn't conforming to regulations as her trousers are skinny type. I explained that yes, they've got a bit snug however she's not uncomfortable and I am planning on new ones, and they're not skinny trousers, they're the same ones she's worn this school year and she is developing, and that they will be replaced asap.
Snotty teach then informs me that she must be in correct uniform by Monday or face discipline procedure for having incorrect uniform.
I once again tried to explain the above but basically they're not interested, and my daughter now faces discipline for developing and filling her trousers a little more than they'd like and for basically being from a family that doesn't have the ready cash to go straight out and replace stuff at their whim!
I am astounded, they are the same trousers that have conformed all bloody year and yes, she's put on a bit of weight developing and due to that the trousers will be replaced - when I can damned well afford it!

I eventually said I wanted to speak to someone else as this was ridiculous, and am ringing the deputy head tomorrow.

AIBU?

I think school are being ridiculous. It is a case of a few days. I would politely appeal to a more senior member of staff.

Who would have known that normal trousers a little snug because you have put on a little weigh all of a sudden become skinny ones.

I always thought they were skin tight from top to ankle

Schools and their uniform policies boil my piss. They can wait until after Easter.

My DS has also outgrown his trousers but he's just showing a bit of ankle.
If she's bursting out of them or they are riding down if she bends over or crouches then the school do have a point. Has she put on weight? I'm confused as to why they would be tight around the thighs.

This pisses me off too. School uniform policies are a joke.

tell them if they pay for it they can choose what she wears!

I think we need a pic of the trousers being worn.

Basically you're sending your DD into school in clothes that are too small for her, I am amazed you don't feel bad about that. Your OP just reads as a long list of excuses. Order them online and don't embarrass your child.

It is ridiculous. I'd order some from Asda online I wear the age 16-17 ones for work and they are cheap.
Dd was told her skirts are getting too short. Same skirts I bought for September last year. She has managed to grow about 4 inches taller since then. I'm ignoring the complaint, they only mentioned it once. I'm hoping to replace them in summer. We'll see.

Sinuhe:

That isn't how it works. A school has policies. You agree to comply with these when you enrol your child. If you don't like the policies, you can object, but if they don't hangs, it is comply, another school or home education.

*change

This sort of thing is why I'm an advocate for ditching school uniforms. Talking to continental friends, the supposed issues about competitiveness and bullying are a total non issue. Then the teachers can concentrate on teaching rather than petty crap about trousers and shoes that may or may not conform and where's your tie and tuck your shirt in.

I don't think you're being U OP. Trousers don't suddenly become unsuitable overnight. If they're edging over the line, giving you warning now to get some over the holiday would be a sensible and fair approach.

Well I think the school is ridiculous, it's only another week to the holidays. If my DD was sent home for poorly fitting uniform she would be off school more often than not. Being tall and narrow, skirts for the next age up come to about mid thigh and I have to stitch in elastic to pull in the waist band. The sleeves of her cardies are about 4cm too short now, but I'm not buying more at this end of the year.

Has she put on weight? I'm confused as to why they would be tight around the thighs.

Why would anyone put weight on when they are growing and in puberty?

That's what schools want parents to think, Trifle

In fact, this wouldn't stand up in a court of law. In practice obviously it rarely if ever goes that far but the duty of the school - to educate the child - is not being met properly if she's in isolation.

Why is this even a thing? I second the fuck off option. But nicely, to the Deputy. Like "Obviously I can see she is growing out of them so at Easter we will go on a shopping trip, grateful for your understanding" and then say "fuck off" in your head.

Fgs kids this age grow ridiculous amounts stupidly quickly. This time last year, ds1 had some size 12 joggers still in his drawer. Right now, he's wearing some size 15 ones that don't quite reach the tops of his shoes and has some size 16 ones in circulation.

It's hardly bad planning and neglect to have a child this age temporarily in a few items of clothing that are a little snug or short until the opportunity arises to replace them.

Had a girl in my tutor group wearing very tight trousers. She says "but theyrr the same trousers uve worn since last year" and my reply was 'yes, but youve grown since then'.
I gave her a week to get it sorted and she chose to wear a skirt after a coupel of days. Interesting actually most of our girls wear skirts these days actually. It does solve a few issues.

palebluesky:

It's my understanding that reasonable uniform policies are enforceable. The student can be placed in isolation and yes, provided with materials to ensure their educational needs are being met. But unless you are happy with that as a parent, the other option is to go elsewhere, isn't it?

And I imagine, living an hour from a large town or city, op didn't have a vast choice of schools for her DD, so little choice about what uniform rules to have to abide by.

Maybe ask if the school have a hardship fund to help you afford the correct one now.

catkind:

It's not a bad idea, is it? I worry that it would mean some of my students rocking up in hand-me-downs and publicising their poverty...

PickAChew:

That's tough really. Schools consult with parents about uniform and it is the expectation that the rules are met by people who want to send their children to the school.

catkind I was a teacher in the US and I promise you that I spent more time policing dress (no uniforms, but a dress code) in a class period than I would like. Never saw much in the way of bullying, but non uniforms are just a while new set of problems!

I want to see a pic before I can have an opinion.