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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Shirt and tie in reception?

78 replies

IsithormonesoramIamadcow · 02/05/2017 13:16

Just been to see around the primary school that DC1 should be going to in September and found out that their uniform code includes a collared shirt and tie from Reception. AIBU to think this is mad? Every other primary school I've come across has polo shirts in the infants and then sometimes shirt and ties in the juniors.

DC1 has eczema which makes me think this will be very uncomfortable as well as not age appropriate. 4 year olds are not business people! I'm not anti uniform in general I'm not happy about this.

It's a state primary - but an academy if that makes a difference?

OP posts:

OhGodWhatTheHellNow · 02/05/2017 14:20

Aaargh, cross-posted with everyone

Bambambini · 02/05/2017 14:21

I think it's OTT making young kids wear ties to school - even if it looks cute or smarter. Ties are bit pointless, even my husband no longer wears them to work and that's with important clients.

Wando1986 · 02/05/2017 14:22

We had to wear them 30yrs ago. What difference does it make? I could tie my own tie at 4 and button my own shirts, and buckle or tie my own shoes. Why is that a weird thing for you? Also a smooth cotton collar and shirt will be much better for his bad skin.

PosiePootlePerkins · 02/05/2017 14:23

DS used to have severe eczema at infant school and he found the polo shirts very thick and uncomfortable. Now he is at Junior school he is much more comfortable in a short sleeved thin cotton shirt. His eczema has all but gone but he still hates being hot, and I'm pleased the days of wearing a polo shirt are gone. If you buy a size too big the collar won't be too tight with a tie.

Salumeria · 02/05/2017 14:30

Our school is the same. I don't mind the shirts, but think the ties look a bit over the top.
I wouldn't say a shirt is any less comfortable than a polo though - friend's DD's school insists on a logo polo, and so she has to wear a vest or t shirt underneath it to stop the underside of the logo scratching her.

I have always managed to find 100% cotton shirts at M&S and John Lewis. Short sleeves are more practical for little ones, even in winter.

Tomorrowillbeachicken · 02/05/2017 14:33

Polo shirts here. Tbh my son has some physical delays and can't do buttons so he'd be pretty screwed there.

Bambambini · 02/05/2017 14:35

Have been won over to cotton shirts over polo shirts. Ties are still pointless though - especially for little kids.

GandolfBold · 02/05/2017 14:36

In our school its poloshirts in reception and in the summer term for all the school, shirt and tie for all other times.

We have elasticated ties though.

busyboysmum · 02/05/2017 14:36

M&S school shirts have a Velcro top button in smaller sizes and I always buy short sleeves as less to iron. No elasticated tie and a blazer at ds3's little church school. They look so cute I think.

His school don't do a formal PE where they have to change until year 1 so no problems about doing up buttons.

user1491572121 · 02/05/2017 14:40

I hate school uniforms like this. You're right OP. They're not business people. They should be in comfortable clothes which are good for playing in.

I always think that a better idea would be plain joggers and t shirts plus sweatshirts in the winter...shorts in summer. I'd say NAvy or red is fine...no prints on them, no buttons or zips...easy for them to manage themselves when going to the loo too.

Original poster

IsithormonesoramIamadcow · 02/05/2017 14:41

I'm sorry I don't see the 'cute' in ties and blazers. Why can't we let kids be kids?

OP posts:

diddl · 02/05/2017 14:41

It does look smarter, but then you'd think that they might be able to come up with something between a polo shirt at one end of the scale & collar & tie at the other!

statetrooperstacey · 02/05/2017 14:41

Shirts and ties here also, always always buy short sleeves and no more frayed and dirty cuffs. I like them they look smarter and not an academy.
Secondary have all clip in ties tho, it's to stop them not tieing them in stupid shapes. Also kilts to atop them rolling skirts up.

Ceto · 02/05/2017 14:44

It would be an academy. They seem to think that making their pupils dress like little old men is a substitute for teaching them properly.

If you think about it, the tie has to be the most ridiculous garment known to man.

C0RAL · 02/05/2017 14:45

It's normal, many schools do it.

If it troubles you that much and your have ideological problems with it, then it may not be the right place for your child. Have you looked around the area to see if there are other schools you would be happier with ?

liz70 · 02/05/2017 14:46

Trad ties with shirts and blouses from the start at my DD3's state primary school, same as DH and I wore years ago. When DD1 and 2 were in ps they could wear their gym gear to school on PE days, but the new Head's a uniform stickler. DD3 wears her polo shirt with tie under her cardigan when she has gym, to make changing quicker.

wifeyhun · 02/05/2017 14:49

Shirt and tie from nursery here. So aged three. Clip on tie though.

They have to wear PE kits to school on PE day. Bloody fantastic idea.

TinklyLittleLaugh · 02/05/2017 14:52

I would have thought it was a good idea to check uniform before signing your child up for a school. Uniform tends to be representative of the whole school ethos and culture.

Kokusai · 02/05/2017 14:54

Have you tried to do up those teeny buttons lately?

Mu mum sewed the buttons shut on my shirt cuff (we had 4 very small buttons on the cuff of long sleeved shirts!), but then attached the two bits of shirt together with elastic so I could get my hands in and out of the sleves.

Wearing a shirt and tie for primary school is bonkers. Children should be in comfortable clothes to learn - a plain polo shirt and logo jumper with dark trousers/skirt is acceptable.

Kokusai · 02/05/2017 14:56

Also kilts to atop them rolling skirts up

You can roll up a kilt still!

Railgunner1 · 02/05/2017 15:03

I'm sorry I don't see the 'cute' in ties and blazers. Why can't we let kids be kids?
nothing cute about shirts and ties. sad really. little corporate slaves

elliejjtiny · 02/05/2017 15:06

My boys school has shirts and ties. There is the option of wearing round neck jumper and polo shirt in reception but most don't.

I think school uniform should be polo shirts and black/grey trousers or skirts in primary and secondary. Sweatshirts/jumpers/cardigans in school colour, with or without school logo. That way if parents want to buy it cheaply from asda they can.

ClarkWGriswold · 02/05/2017 15:12

My DD attends a school (she is in reception) where they have to wear a collared shirt and tie and they aren't allowed ones on elastic or clip ons. I'll be honest and say it is a total pain in the arse, especially as 3 days a week I'm rushing around trying to get her and her 3 year old sister dressed before I'm out of the door for the 7am train.

I also have to get DH to tie her tie as I haven't done one since I was in secondary school 22 years ago!

I have asked DD many times if it is like a production line of kids getting top buttons done up and ties put back on after PE??

user1491572121 · 02/05/2017 15:12

Just because "it's normal" why doesn't it deserve to be questioned?

I'm always a bit befuddled by the weird, defensive thing people do re. school uniforms

I don't think it's bad to enforce a dress code...but why have these nasty looking "uniforms" which are basically (mostly) supermarket polo shirts which go off-white or baggy, nylon trousers and skirts and non natural cardigans.

That's the default uniform for most state primary schools...why? Why do they want small children to look like miniature office workers?

They're children.

Why not have something more comfortable and casual? Like joggers and t shirts in plain colours?

statetrooperstacey · 02/05/2017 15:14

pleated kilts. They thought of everything

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