Primary School closed bubble expected to wear school uniform at home for video calls

[BrainAyche]

YABU - they should wear school uniform at home for video calls
YANBU -let them wear their own (appropriate) clothes for home learning

My primary age child's school bubble has closed. They'll be having some video calls/lessons with school, and he's just told me they will have to wear uniform for the video meetings.
AIBU to think that is a bit daft? Unnecessary? OTT?

While I generally agree that uniform for schools is a good idea, for us personally, it is a faff and not having to nag my awkward child to put it on and hang it up every day would be a tiny perk to the challenging two weeks that is ahead of us.

AIBU to think stuff it, and let him wear what he wants?

[UntilYourNextHairBrainedScheme]

All the posters who believe that children only understand the difference between school and home if they play dress up on a polyester outfit possibly need to think about why they assume that to be the case..

[ineedaholidaynow]

So would you be happy if a child sat there with a rude slogan or image on their top? Because their parent might not see that as inappropriate

[Jellycatspyjamas]

I might not be happy but that’s between the school and the parent to resolve, I can work with my kids to understand why I don’t think it’s ok but frankly if I’m going to protect them from everything someone might think is offensive they’d never leave the house.

[Ihatemyseleffordoingthis]

"so you would be happy for the teacher to held the meeting in their own pyjamas, or your kids' friends to wear tops with (what you think is) inappropriate slogan or pictures? They are in their own home too."

I don't really think it matters much what teachers wear either. Teachers, however are in employment. School kids aren't.

[HollywoodHandshake]

sadly, it's because of that parent that so many schools have refused and are refusing any kind of video message , call or meeting. It's depressing.

It's also highly hypocritical, of course most parents would care what messages are displayed by other kids. I would seriously question your parenting skill if you were happy with any slogan as "it's good to be shown different views".

If it’s inappropriate the school can address it you are arguing that they actually CANNOT do anything about what you wear in the privacy of your own home...that's the point.

[ineedaholidaynow]

And that is also why many lessons are recorded, just in case there are any accusations against a teacher, if there is any inappropriate behaviour from those families but they try and turn it onto the teacher. It is as much for the safeguarding of the teacher as it is for the pupils

[Ihatemyseleffordoingthis]

Oh come off it - @HollywoodHandshake school's aren't refusing to teach online because kids aren't wearing school jumpers, don't be so silly.

Your unquestioning insistence that the school is always right is very odd. But that's just the culture of some schools, I guess.

[ineedaholidaynow]

Many teachers don't want to teach online due to safeguarding reasons, one of which is that they don't want to see any pupil sitting in their bedroom in their pjs. A year ago that would be unthinkable and a teacher could be in serious trouble if they had a video call with a pupil in that position, but now it seems fine.

[QuestionableMouse]

@minisoksmakehardwork

During the Lockdown earlier this year, the curriculum was suspended and schools provided the best they could. Attendance was not compulsory and families were not fined for non-attendance.

If/when there are lockdowns now, schools have been told they have to continue teaching as they were in the classroom, and attendance will be counted.

By asking students to wear uniform they are demonstrating that they are ready to learn, that they are taking their schooling seriously - yes, even the younger ones. By asking them to wear uniform they are telling parents that school work this time round is not just something they can dip in and out of as they choose.

Schools will be held accountable for online attendance I am sure.

I did most of my last semester at uni in PJ's and it didn't stop me learning. Same with the MA I've just started.

[Jellycatspyjamas]

A year ago that would be unthinkable and a teacher could be in serious trouble if they had a video call with a pupil in that position, but now it seems fine.

I expect they still could, there’s a vast difference between a 1:1 video call and an online group lesson where an adult is present in the home.

I would seriously question your parenting skill if you were happy with any slogan as "it's good to be shown different views".

You purposely misquoted me, I didn’t say it’s good, I said I’m more than able to deal with it in exactly the same way I do with anything my kids are exposed to. I can’t legislate for what other people do in school or out of school and part of life is dealing with things I might prefer not to see or that I find offensive and teaching my kids to do the same.

[ineedaholidaynow]

An adult won't always be in the home though, especially with Secondary school children.

Also I assume many parents would be complaining that not only do they have to make their child wear a jumper but I have to be in the same room too

[lazylinguist]

Wearing school uniform does not make kids learn better or behave better Wearing a suit does not make you better at your work. Teachers who wear suits are not better teachers than those who don't. A posh uniform does not make a school good, regardless of how many good schools have posh uniforms.

During foreign language school exchanges, it's often a bit of an eye-opener to see how quaint and hilarious the visiting European kids (in their perfectly normal, sensible own clothes) find our uniforms.

[Mischance]

Wearing school uniform does not make kids learn better Indeed so.

How is it that students at college achieve their A-levels or vocational qualifications I wonder? They are not in uniform.

Uniform is an expensive nonsense that puts pressure on financially deprived families. The idea that one might extend that imposition to children learning remotely in their own homes is quite ridiculous.

[HollywoodHandshake]

@Ihatemyseleffordoingthis

Oh come off it - *@HollywoodHandshake* school's aren't refusing to teach online because kids aren't wearing school jumpers, don't be so silly.

Your unquestioning insistence that the school is always right is very odd. But that's just the culture of some schools, I guess.

that's not remotely what I said.

Do (some) schools declined to consider online teaching because of the parents they deal with? Absolutely. It's not just about uniform, it's about stretch resources and not being able to deal with parental nonsense.

I never said the school was always right either, I just find it pretty pathetic to willingly cause disturbance and be that sad-parent-in-the-DM because you find it clever to refuse the uniform rules.

Again, I am not that bothered about uniform in itself (they are just a cheap convenience for me frankly), I just dislike that "I know best and rules don't apply to my previous darling" attitude. Usually from parents who refuse to be involved in any shape or form with volunteering or helping out at the school.. The 2 tend to go together for some reasons.

[HollywoodHandshake]

@lazylinguist

Wearing school uniform does not make kids learn better or behave better Wearing a suit does not make you better at your work. Teachers who wear suits are not better teachers than those who don't. A posh uniform does not make a school good, regardless of how many good schools have posh uniforms.

During foreign language school exchanges, it's often a bit of an eye-opener to see how quaint and hilarious the visiting European kids (in their perfectly normal, sensible own clothes) find our uniforms.

so what are you doing against the uniform policy in this country then?

[lazylinguist]

so what are you doing against the uniform policy in this country then?

Nothing whatsoever. Oddly enough I don't generally feel the need to launch into protests and activism over something I merely consider outdated, unnecessary, overrated and a bit irritating. I expect uniform might possibly die out eventually in state school. There are considerably worse things in the world, and I haven't been waving placards about those either.

I'm not sure why you think I should be doing anything against it, or what you think I could do against something which is not compulsory by law and which lots of people (unlike me) are actually in favour of. Btw, are you organising protests to encourage strong measures against 'those parents' and people who say 'innit'?

[Jellycatspyjamas]

I never said the school was always right either, I just find it pretty pathetic to willingly cause disturbance and be that sad-parent-in-the-DM because you find it clever to refuse the uniform rules.

I’m not causing any disturbance, I don’t care what children do or don’t wear to school but I’m not going to make mine wear uniform at home to keep other people happy. If they want to get het up about that that’s their prerogative.

And no, I don’t volunteer at school - I’d no idea that was a requirement for me to have and express a view about my child’s education. You seem pretty over invested in the wearing of a cheap polyester jumper given the extent you’re going to mischaracterise those who disagree with you.

[AldiAisleofCrap]

@ineedaholidaynow sorry I though you meant pre recorded. I don’t mind that my 9 year was recorded in her pjs though, they cover the same body parts as a Tshirt and joggers would.

[HollywoodHandshake]

@lazylinguist

so what are you doing against the uniform policy in this country then?

Nothing whatsoever. Oddly enough I don't generally feel the need to launch into protests and activism over something I merely consider outdated, unnecessary, overrated and a bit irritating. I expect uniform might possibly die out eventually in state school. There are considerably worse things in the world, and I haven't been waving placards about those either.

I'm not sure why you think I should be doing anything against it, or what you think I could do against something which is not compulsory by law and which lots of people (unlike me) are actually in favour of. Btw, are you organising protests to encourage strong measures against 'those parents' and people who say 'innit'?

So you feel so strongly about something but refuse to do anything about it, just moan?

ok then

[HollywoodHandshake]

Jellycatspyjamas

And no, I don’t volunteer at school - I’d no idea that was a requirement for me to have and express a view about my child’s education. You seem pretty over invested in the wearing of a cheap polyester jumper given the extent you’re going to mischaracterise those who disagree with you.

I merely said that parents like you are always ready to moan and think rules don't apply to them are never ready to get involved, and you prove the point. How am I mischaracterising you exactly, you just proved my point

[MsEllany]

@Ihatemyseleffordoingthis

"I just don’t think the schools authority extends to my children in my home."

^^ this. And I'm stunned that people are so eager to comply with un-neccessary overreaching like this that someone will have thought up and probably not thought through.

My kids have to get dressed for classes either way, so why not put on a school top? You make it sound like such a fight. Personally I rail against the establishment but setting fire to cop cars and graffitiing local monuments

[ineedaholidaynow]

Thing is it is not just how you feel, teachers may feel more comfortable seeing their pupils in normal clothes rather than in their pjs. It is a safeguarding minefield providing live lessons to pupils and so I am sure teachers would prefer children to be dressed properly

[MsEllany]

I really don’t understand why people are getting so aerated about this.

OP had a legitimate concern as her child doesn’t like his uniform and finds it uncomfortable for sensory reasons. I’d imagine most kids are not that arsed. Why choose to make a fuss about this and ‘take a stand’ when there are so many other things that actually have any sort of impact on you as a parent?!

[Jellycatspyjamas]

I never said the school was always right either, I just find it pretty pathetic to willingly cause disturbance and be that sad-parent-in-the-DM because you find it clever to refuse the uniform rules.

Again, I am not that bothered about uniform in itself (they are just a cheap convenience for me frankly), I just dislike that "I know best and rules don't apply to my previous darling" attitude. Usually from parents who refuse to be involved in any shape or form with volunteering or helping out at the school.. The 2 tend to go together for some reasons.

Ok, I’m far from the “sad parent in the DM”, not a Daily Mail reader, not courting sad face press about school uniform. Nor do I think the rules don’t apply to my child - in school they follow the rules, out of school (ie at home) they have no need to follow school rules, because they aren’t at school.

And no, I don’t volunteer at school, that doesn’t mean I make no contribution to school life and to my child’s education.

[lazylinguist]

So you feel so strongly about something but refuse to do anything about it, just moan?

Maybe you could answer my question - what exactly is it that you think I should or could do about this (even if I wanted to, which I don't)? I don't think uniforms are dangerous or should be banned by law, I just think they are unnecessary, outdated and do not accomplish the things that are often claimed. Getting rid of them would not particularly enhance my life, I'm merely not in favour of them. My dc wear uniform. It wouldn't even occur to me to 'moan' about it. Like most kids, they don't like it and I just don't think it benefits them in any way.

I wouldn't even say I feel extremely strongly about it being important to get rid of school uniforms. It's more people's misconceptions about what school uniforms achieve/represent that piss me off, because they are often tied up with superficial, snobbish and misguided ideas about what makes a good school or a good pupil. I do feel strongly about that.

That's not moaning. It's expressing an opinion based on years of teaching experience and years of reflecting on what makes a good school which enhances kids' learning and well-being. And on which school rules are useful and important and which rules merely create things to tell kids off about.