To be put off a school by it's uniform?

[SnugglyButterflySnuggler]

I know I probably am UR.

DD is 3.4 and we're applying for schools for her. Ready for her to start next September. She has a few SN so even though technically we have a choice (she has an EHCP) we actually don't as there's only 2 primaries schools (out of 6) in our town that are willing to take her with her specific issues.

The closest school to us that would take herI hate the uniform. It's a state school but they insist on blazers from the January of reception year all the way through to year 6. No pinafores or trousers for girls, skirts only. No shorts for boys only trousers. No polo shirts for anything other than PE, full button up shirts and ties. It just seems so formal for such young children. It's an oversubscribed school so it looks like the parents don't agree. I just can't imagine trying to battle DD into a shirt and tie everyday. The website says children are only permitted to remove blazers if a teacher says they can, even the local high school isn't that strict! (HS has blazers but they don't have to be worn at all after Easter and up until then the individual child is allowed to choose when they take it off) This is actually our closest school even if DD didn't have SN, so this is likely were we'll be allocated.

So AIBU to be put off a school by it's uniform, and is there anything I can about it? I am going to put the other school down as first choice, but I don't think we'll get it as we're just outside of it's catchment for the last 3 years and SN in catchment come above SN out of catchment for that school

Should also add I have to apply via the normal forms but state that she has an EHCP in the additional information section. I asked at Nursery about a review but apparently I won't be able to name a specific school anyway because her although her needs are complex they don't affect her behaviour aka she's not violent or unco-operative so basically any school should realistically meet her needs.

I don't think the nursery are giving you the correct information. I would get on to the LA SEN team on Monday tbh as there should be a review of the EHCP for transition from nursery to primary.

This is from my LA's website about EHCP and transition years

www.essex.gov.uk/Education-Schools/Schools/Admissions/Pages/SEN-Application-Process.aspx

I realise that this is a bit “cancel the cheque” but avoid like the plague. And read @becotide’s post. The head is likely to be a massive twat.

And yes you can argue till you’re blue in the face about Reasonable Adjustment, etc, but every last thing will be a battle.

I'd suggest contacting IPSEA or SOS!SEN to get the information you need for the nursery to primary transition.

The SEN code of practice also worth a look. 9.179

Bloody hell.
The schook need to learn about the Equality Act and the relevant education laws...

They must take her...

They MUST make RA... It is NOT optional... If she has ASD and sensory processing problems... She must wear whats OK for her..

It is rubbish saying that 'other kids may want it'... They've not got special needs...
These other kids 'wants' are immaterial... If you substitute the word wheelchair for soft material... See how mad it seems...

'we can't let this disabled child use a wheelchair as other kids will want one..'

The no trousers rules for girls are discriminatory... It's treating girls less well becuse of their gender.. Thus means they are less likely to participate in boisterous play time...

Deviksavacado you are right. But the day to day grind of arguing with a deliberately none-inclusive leadership is exhausting. And ultimately damaging to the child. Sadly this is the voice of experience.

My uniform was brown and yellow, looked like a rotten banana.

It's only superficial.

Tbh if you can't see past the uniform then it's probably not the right school for your dd

Lordsugar it’s not about the colour! RTFT

The ‘no trousers for girls’ rule rings alarm bells.

What are their pastoral policies like?

I know it's not about the colour, just stating that mine was horrible and it could have put many parents off, sorry if that came across wrong

I don’t have any personal or professional experience with SEND, but I’m really sceptical that you are getting the right advice from nursery, schools or the LA.

It seems very odd to me that so many schools have said that they can’t meet your DDs needs, yet they aren’t sufficient to allow you to name a school. What would happen if all of the schools had said that?

It really sounds like you need expert, external advice.

I think it would depend on when and why it was introduced. For some schools it has been a step made by a failing school, and if that was a recent thing I would be concerned.

because her although her needs are complex they don't affect her behaviour

If her special needs do not affect her behaviour, it will not be the special needs which would cause any dislike of wearing a school uniform.

Pressed send too quickly above. A dislike as in refusing to wear it and throwing a tantrum (for example only), as opposed to expressing a dislike and a preference.

What is the provision in section F of her EHCP? That’s the bit which will be pivotal as to whether a School would be able to meet her needs or not. Are you sure it’s EHCP and not IEP?

With EHCP there should be a school on the final plan, plus elements put in place regarding transition, and you apply through the SEN dept at the LA, not the usual channels.

If her sensory issues affect her behaviour, which presumably they absolutely do or she wouldn’t have any symptoms, then the uniform will be a huge issue. Are her sensory issues detailed in her plan?

I wore that uniform all through primary and secondary school. It was certainly not a reflection on the school. Primary in particular was a really fun relaxed place.

Pretty sure they can't stop girls wearing trousers anymore though

**Worriedobsessive

Deviksavacado you are right. But the day to day grind of arguing with a deliberately none-inclusive leadership is exhausting. And ultimately damaging to the child. Sadly this is the voice of experience.*

Another voice of experience. As I said to the deputy head of ds's current school when applying for a place. Yes, I know his previous school acted illegally but I just can't fight any more.

AlexanderHamilton it’s knackering isn’t it? We moved our child to a place with a head teacher who is a normal human being, not a massive twat, and it’s unsurprisingly made all the difference!!

It was the best decision ever moving him. He moved from a selective school that gets the best results in the county to a comp in a very mixed social catchment area that's classed as good.

Things are so much better.

Great to hear!

Mind you his previous head was sacked before the start of the new academic year so all wasn't right elsewhere too.

V similar position here, DD is at a school with quite strict uniform including ties from year 1. She isn't SEN, at least not diagnosed, but massive sensory issues with certain fabrics and struggles with tie and lots of tantrums about it.

Tbh we like the school but dislike the uniform. I support her as much as possible, buy 100% cotton shirts and there can be workarounds with ties (velcro etc) if that would help. It's a rigmarole but (IMO) worth it for this particular school, given the alternatives available in our area. I would visit and keep an open mind, if you opt for it be prepared to leave lots of time to get ready in morning and offer lots of support, research sensory smart uniforms etc and raise with school if poss. It is silly but can be manageable and worth it.

But I would definitely expect school to offer support too, either through reasonable adjustments from the off or practical suggestions to try that might help with sensory issues. The school's attitude to the issue would speak volumes for me.

DC go to a school with similar uniform rules. I’m fine with it. However, when we were applying to schools, I ruled out Fettes purely on the hideousness of the boy’s blazer.

You are being told a right load of nonsense. When they reach the point of amending the EHCP to name the school, they specifically have to ask you what your preference is - so goodness knows what the nursery is talking about suggesting you can't name it. And they can insist on entrance application forms till they're blue in the face, the plain fact is that if the LA names them in the EHCP they have to take the child whether a form's been filled in or not.