School Uniforms?

[tearsandtiaras]

My socials are currently filled with anxious posts about being able to afford the correct uniform required for their children.

ND children who won't wear it- parents are anxious how this will be received.

I myself have had sleepless nights considering the cost with zero support from DD father. With added worry that as a full time worker I cannot access the uniform shop in opening times- which offers no option to click/ collect.

I work with families/ children/ teenagers daily- uniform is consistently an adder stressor to their lives.

I cannot understand why in 2024 when most office workers wear smart casual- we inflict this on to our children/ parents. Uniform is outdated.

Aibu?

The UK is not even close to being the only country in the world that has school uniforms as it's norm so I have no idea why you appear to be acting like it is.

Disagree. My DD is going to college and I've spent a fortune already.
School uniform is much cheaper and better.

My DCs primary school is quite relaxed about uniform but over the last few years has been gradually moving more towards their "pe uniform" (non-branded joggers, tshirt and hoodie) being worn more and more often. I really hope this is part of a longer term plan to make this their only uniform. It still looks smart but is far more comfortable, flexible and affordable. AND would mean the girls finally get to wear shoes (trainers) every day that they can run about in and keep their feet dry!

Why have you found it more expensive? DT’s were non uniform from 4-18 and then Uni - I saved a fortune compared with the costs of school uniform in the local schools. Didn’t buy much new for Uni as they already had casual clothes from their school days.

The majority of the western world countries don’t have school uniforms. The uk wastes teaching time policing antiquated uniform policies.

@Flyhigher what have you had to buy for college? (I assume you are meaning a 16+ college).
My daughter is going into Year 12 at her non uniform SEN school which includes a bit of doing some classes at a local college.
I've bought her some new stationary for this year. That's it. And technically I didn't have to buy that because she has loads already but she wanted some new bits and I was happy to buy it.
I've not needed to buy any new clothes because she will be wearing the same clothes she's been wearing all year (t-shirts and trackies). She's stopped growing so only needs new clothes when they fall apart.
So what have you had to buy? Why can't she wear the clothes she already owns now there's no uniform?

If you look at Western Europe, the UK is an oddity.

Elsewhere in the world, you get uniform either in former UK colonies (African countries, NZ, Australia) or in countries where conformity is valued above all else (China, Japan, Korea). Uniform is not the norm in the countries which are most like the UK.

What have you spent a fortune on? Did your DC not have clothes for non school days then?

My two went to a non-uniform 6th form. They knew that money was a limited resource, and have known from when they were very young that additcion to brands basically makes you a sheep. They got an allowance and spent it sensible on good second hand clothing that they really liked, augmented with some special things they saved up for. It isn't rocket science to raise a child that doesn't slavishly follow trends.

Uniform is comfy and cheap. It can be bought secondhand and many schools give it free to those in need.
I am a TA and all my kids uniform is second hand. It’s in great condition. They keep it on when they come out of school as it’s comfy.

Secondary school uniform should be polo shirts like primary. Those white shirts need ironing (by me) and DC don't like wearing them.
I hardly ever wear shirts for this reason!

@FloralGums "comfy" ?
😂😂😂😂😂😂
I'm sorry but I've yet to find a formal shirt, tie and blazer that's comfy in my life.
Obviously if it's the polo shirt, sweatshirt and trackies combo that would be reasonably be ok but the vast majority of secondary schools it's blazer and tie and many primaries are doing that now too.

I always found my uniform perfectly comfy. I used to take my blazer off when I got home because it's a sort of hybrid inside/outside item and I didn't need it at home but never bothered changing anything else until bedtime. Never realised till years later on threads like these I was meant to have found it uncomfortable and be throwing it off the second I stepped through the door.

I agree. I totally understand and get uniform but many schools manage to be relaxed about it and some are just fascist about it

I had this 20-25 years ago at high school and always felt guilty! It was never me, I was fairly good but I guess they were preaching to the converted about this!

As for the debate about uniform, whilst I disagree with the unaffordable cost of it all. I do have to say that I am old school and like a uniform. It gives a sense of belonging, for most it sets a standard and gives kids motivation to learn etc etc. I’m a teacher, and less strict about what the children wear in my classroom, I’m honestly happy if they are in school, I’d rather see them on their seats, than not at all because they can’t afford the uniform costs, but there are elements of wearing it that make it a necessity for me. They stop wearing uniform, and respect goes. I don’t wear a uniform, but often don’t wear my teaching fatigues anywhere other than my classroom, so it’s a uniform of sorts.

Im sorry but lack of uniform and you are lurching into a lack of respect territory and there has been enough of that from children and teenagers in the UK this summer!!

Her school uniform was about £150.
Now you can't wear a white shirt everyday.
And a blazer.
So at least 6 new tops. And three new jeans
New jacket and shoes. More than school uniform.
Once she's worn all her stuff to school then she will want other new clothes to go out.
Can't wear the same stuff to school and then out.
That's normal. She wanted lots of clothes and that's fine.
Uniform is cheaper. And teens don't need anything else to get nervous about at school.

You must be going to very nice schools. Our school uniform was cheap.

@Flyhigher why can't she wear her "normal" clothes for college?
As in what she already owns. I assume she's been wearing clothes all summer. Does she not already own "6 tops"?

She really did a number on you!😆

Can't wear the same stuff to school and then out.
Yes, you can. My kids did. Manage expectations and learn the constructive use of the word No.

Once she's worn all her stuff to school then she will want other new clothes to go out.
She can want as much as she likes - you don't have to cave.

Im sorry but lack of uniform and you are lurching into a lack of respect territory

Really? Because my mum taught secondary in the Netherlands and had no problems with maintaining respect and learning at all. No uniform, not for her and not for the students.

Good job most of us can gain respect in other ways. How do they do it in the rest of Europe? Maybe you need to do some information sharing with the international schools?

Im sorry but lack of uniform and you are lurching into a lack of respect territory and there has been enough of that from children and teenagers in the UK this summer!! What does this mean - why was this summer so significant?

Or maybe I don’t! Maybe my knowledge comes from living it day in, day out! What on earth does how other countries do it, have anything to do with the point I’m making! Maybe our armed forces should line the streets and fields of battle in their fatigues too, just to, you know, prove your point!!

Did I imagine teenagers getting arrested in riots? Or dream it?

Great. I find the Dutch face to face one of the most respectful nations in the world.
Im debating the UK and uniform and respect.