To wish parents would send their kids in the correct uniform

[coffeekittens]

Totally prepared to be told IABU.

My DD has just started school, friends and family have been sending their children for years and many of my friends are TAs and MDS within the school, just for context.

We've all received a letter home stating that due to trainers being worn and Dr Marten boots (uniform policy is no lace up boots or trainers) that all children are to wear black shoes only - no boots allowed. (There was also a reminder that it's school jumper/cardi, white polo top and grey trousers, dress, skirt etc with either white or grey socks/tights).

I questioned this with my friends who are TA's as I was confused if it was just for whilst the weathers still mild as I'd like DD in boots for winter ideally. They've said it's throughout the year and wellies/snow boots can be worn in adverse weather at playtime and for going home only.

They've said it's because a small number of families have repeatedly flounted the uniform policy, sending their children in the incorrect uniform as it conflicts their own personal beliefs etc. To me that's just disrespecting authority and doesn't show their children a good example.

Now teaching time and/or break time is by the looks of it going to be impacted due to having to faff around changing footwear etc.

I just wish that parente would respect the wishes of the head and the schools uniform policy as now EVERYONE is affected. (It's not a financial thing either as all of said footwear is branded and far for expensive than a pair of school shoes).

Reading back I feel like I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill, I'm only mildly annoyed, it's just one of those things where you think, just why? It's a school rule, it doesn't affect the child's well-being so just follow it ffs!

I wonder if that's why my DC's school has done this? We walk 45 minutes to school. They usually go in wellies, winter boots if appropriate, then change at school and give them to me, as they won't remember to change at playtime anyway.

It's a hell of a lot more hygienic if kids change shows as soon as they come through the door than dragging mud and all sorts behind them. Not to mention rain and snow.

My kids primary has no rules at all about shoe, and do you know what? They manage to get a really good education!

It's only British people that are so bizarrely obsessed with uniforms for little children.

DDs primary school also doesn't specify shoes. She wears bright pink asics as the moment. Then probably something like DMs as it gets colder and wetter. Not sure what the fuss is about to be honest - as long as they can get them on and off by thenselves for PE etc what's the problem? So much easier not having school and home shoes. Just shoes!

I agree that they're just shoes, designed to keep feet dry and comfortable but it's a rule, like other posters have said rules are their for a reason, decided by the head and should be followed by parents to set a good example to their children.

Would be interesting to see these parents running a school, like others have said

"It's only British people that are so bizarrely obsessed with uniforms for little children."

True, but we're also the only culture who, when told "the rule is smart, black shoes", send their kids in in a pair of £120 Nikes and then sulk when they're told no.

The idea is that everyone is more or less equal and kids and parents don't have to stress about buying expensive designer goods.

Are they there for a reason though? What reason could there possibly be that 4 year olds need black shoes and not something else?
There isn't really a reason, it's just a silly and arbitrary rule.

I don't see why the school really care what shoes children wear. They can wear any coat they like so why not shoes?

Penggwyn I've just been shopping for girls school shoes for the first time and have really struggled to find anything suitable for winter, most of the girls school shoes on sale are mary janes which I don't think will be any use in winter

It is a very simple premise: if the school specifies proper leather shoes, black, it 1) levels the playing field a little between kids from different situations

No it doesn't. First of all little kids don't notice, and the older ones can tell the difference between cheapo black shoes and expensiev ones.

and 2) means the teachers don't have to waste time calling home about the general unsuitability of sandals or other really lightweight shoes in December

Why on earth would you call me about the shoes I've decided to put on my child? How would that be any of your business?

Ds wears DM Boots to school on the advise of a number of medical professionals. Of course no other parents at the school would know that.

Thankfully his school is sensible and doesn't make a fuss about things like this. He would still be wearing them if they did though

I wore DM boots to secondary school back in the 90s. They were great school shoes, warm, dry and comfortable. And so many of the girls wore them that they became a uniform themselves

DMs are the most practical and durable footwear invented. They should be encouraged.

However did those of us who went to primary school in the 70s and 80s manage to learn a thing without the civilising influence of piped blazers and regulation shoes?

Thanks penggwn, I did find some in the end

Are you suggesting that other people should comply with the uniform rules so that your daughter doesn't have to and can wear boots instead of shoes in the winter?

Can anyone tell me why DMs are a bad thing? They are hard-wearing, warm, dry and last ages. Unlike shitty black leather shoes.

Thank goodness I live somewhere with no uniform. And everyone copes.

There are no better shoe than DM's. Practically flame proof. Much better thanMary-Janes. Expensive though.

Now teaching time and/or break time is by the looks of it going to be impacted due to having to faff around changing footwear etc.

It's not that much of a faff, our school don't allow any outdoor shoes to be worn in the school. All children have to change into their gym shoes when leaving or entering the school. Seems to work ok.

I don't see why a school wouldn't allow DM Boots, they are practical, smart, hard wearing, perfect for colder weather. What a strange rule to have in the first place.

I agree re dms being an amazing sensible shoe, dry and comfortable, but the head has specified no, whether this is other peoples outdated view of them being part of a 'skin head culture' IDK.

It's just the blatant disregard to what is being specified by the school. I'd love to go out for a cigarette every hour at work but I'm not allowed, it wouldn't affect my standard of work and it wouldn't hurt anyone but that's the rules of my work place, so I just don't do it. The world would be even more insane if people just did as they pleased because 'thats what they want to do and it's no-one elses business'.

A class of 30 4 and 5 year olds in a limited classroom space, there will be a faff changing from wellies/snow boots into school shoes, not all children are super independent and brilliant to mumsnet standards.

I've worked in a kids shoe shop and they don't make DMS like they used to.

Surprisingly the most durable school shoes I found were Lelli kellies