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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

AIBU to think that parents should buy the correct uniform and stop moaning

740 replies

Loveluck7 · 06/09/2017 17:07

I am getting increasingly irritated by people on FB moaning that their child's human rights have been violated because they were put into isolation for having the wrong uniform.

I understand that some rules can seem ridiculous but unfortunately some bad parents who have let their child wear spray on trousers and tiny skirts, have necessitated schools stipulating the exact items they need to wear.

Isolation does seem a harsh punishment when it is the parent's fault but how else can schools enforce the rules when some parent's think rules do not apply to them? The child cannot attend class without trousers and parent's would be angry if the child was sent home.

You also often find that it is these parent's who also complain when a school is no good at discipline, yet will not follow the rules themselves.

OP posts:
Spottylu · 06/09/2017 22:36

Workplaces have cottoned on to the fact that dressing comfortably leads to happier more productive staff. Wish schools would learn that lesson.

Having said that I do agree that school rules should be followed, however silly they may seem.

Expemsiveuniform · 06/09/2017 22:37

Certificate. That is the English guidance.

There are other areas in the uk where the guidance is only advisory

Point 1.2 in this link states clearly is advice only and they underline advice and is not enforceable. www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/de/2011-04-guidance-to-schools-on-school-uniform-policy.pdf

Aderyn17 · 06/09/2017 22:37

Surely, the ht has no right to dictate what kids wear outside of school. That can't be legal, esp when it compromises safety.

Expemsiveuniform · 06/09/2017 22:38

*ceto (sorry phone autocorrected your name)

PortiaCastis · 06/09/2017 22:38

I would have thought denying a child education breaks all kinds of rules and Ofsted would be interested.

Aderyn17 · 06/09/2017 22:39

Sorry cosmic, yes it was. The thread moved on. I just wondered cos that must have been more hassle than it was worth - that child would have needed 1 to 1 tuition almost.

CosmicPineapple · 06/09/2017 22:43

I would have thought denying a child education breaks all kinds of rules and Ofsted would be interested.

Not when it cones to shoes so it seems.

At the weekend he was excited about school.
He got the subjects he wanted and was looking forward to going back.
He spent the day in isolation because I could not afford to replace the shoes he wore last term.
I will call my mum tomorrow to borrow the money but I cannot go see her until the weekend so he will be in iso for 2 more days.
Its not right but nobody will care or listen.

PortiaCastis · 06/09/2017 22:44

Well it isn't right and it's bullying so they deserve to be named and shamed.

CosmicPineapple · 06/09/2017 22:47

Sorry cosmic, yes it was. The thread moved on. I just wondered cos that must have been more hassle than it was worth - that child would have needed 1 to 1 tuition almost.

Iso at this school is 1 room with blocked off desks and 1 teacher. They are not taught. They are given a text book. They cannot speak or move.

Offstead were in last year and improvements were made apparently, it made our local paper Shock. I have yet to see it.

RainbowBriteRules · 06/09/2017 22:47

I really wonder what we can do as parents- it feels as if we are powerless Sad. Some of the examples are so cruel. I do agree the answer is for everyone to revolt together but they won't so are there any alternatives?

Portia, I agree but even naming and shaming seems to have no effect - it makes the news that pupils are lined up to have clothes lifted up and inspected in the rain but it is still allowed to continue.

PortiaCastis · 06/09/2017 22:51

No it isn't on but as long as we allow our dc to be on parade in the rain the hitleresque bullies will continue their regime.
Definitely need a legal eye.

Dizzybintess · 06/09/2017 22:54

I run a guide unit and we are in an affluent area.
Uniform makes Turk proud of their identity as a group and it is a great leveller. We had one guide a few years ago With drug addict parents Ss were involved. We bought her a uniform and smart trousers. She ironed her own uniform weekly and she honestly looked the smartest of our guides and she made many friends as they didn't look at her as any different.

BoneyBackJefferson · 06/09/2017 22:54

FrancisCrawford

Not missing the point.

some schools say specialist shop, most don't

Some companies require specialist shops, others don't.

Dizzybintess · 06/09/2017 22:55

Sorry them not Turk

CosmicPineapple · 06/09/2017 22:56

I would love to make a stand.
But if I keep my child away from education I will get fined and could face a prison sentance.
School can deny my child an education and keep him from his peers because if shoes.

Why?

Dizzybintess · 06/09/2017 23:01

The schools who enforce petty rules about shoes or logos on trousers are wrong though
Along as they don't look like emo trousers and trainers there should be no issue

Aderyn17 · 06/09/2017 23:02

That really does sound awful cosmic Sad

Atenco · 06/09/2017 23:04

Uniforms can be a great leveller, but when they are excessively expensive, the poorer pupils do not have as many changes to use during the week and the differences become more evident than when children are allowed to wear mufti.

FrancisCrawford · 06/09/2017 23:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Gileswithachainsaw · 06/09/2017 23:08

It's ironic isn't it. I mean I would come down like a ton of bricks on my children if they poked fun at people who were poor or didn't have what they had. I would not stand at all for humiliating and taking the piss out of someome merely for how much money they had or hadn't got

Yet a school can do this and people actually support it?

The kid who's a pain in the arse and doesn't give a shit will treat isolation as a laugh just like they do with everything else.

The person it will really hurt is the kid who shows up everyday on time, behaves, does their work yet because mummy or daddy or grandma/grandad etc can't just conjour 50 quid out of thin air for shoes gets treated as if he's everything wrong with society.

It's bullying. There is no other way to describe it. And if my 6 yr old knows better what's their sodding excuse

Whyisitsodifficult · 06/09/2017 23:09

A lot of unhappy parents on here! I'm in agreement with school uniform but wholly disagree with having to buy uniform from one specific supplier. Uniform can be purchased very cheaply from various supermarkets and parents should have the choice. I would be happy to buy a logo to iron on a £3 polo shirt but no my school only has the option to buy their one at £12 for one! Come on Mumsnet I think you should start a campaign?!

Loveluck7 · 06/09/2017 23:16

Wow, I have just caught up on this thread after being out for the evening. I have been shocked at how expensive some uniforms are.
Whyisitsodifficult: That is a excellent idea, a Mumsnet campaign for a national maximum school uniform price would help both schools and parents while stopping suppliers charging silly money.

OP posts:
CosmicPineapple · 06/09/2017 23:22

Please dont get me wrong.
I think uniform is a good idea.
I could not afford to keep my children in brand names .
What is killing me is the stupid change in uniform rules.
I will make it right for him. I will borrow money to fix this.
He was so upset today. Hes a good kid and enjoys school. My fuck up should not affect him.

Right enough of the pity party. 😁 I have 2 more to go through high school next year so i hope i have this shit nailed.

BoneyBackJefferson · 06/09/2017 23:24

FrancisCrawford

again not missing the point.

It is quite simple not all schools require uniform to be bought from dedicated suppliers.

and even then it tends to be parts of uniform.

In any case, many of these companies actually provide a staff uniform free of charge.

and many don't.

CosmicPineapple · 06/09/2017 23:28

I have worked in a factory a bank. 2 hotels a casino lots of care homes and they all provided a uniform because they required it. It was branded mostly or specific due to safety.
I cannot think of any job where the uniform is demanded and not provided.

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