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 Uniform is outdated.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?

I think generally things go in cycles and I'm surprised the current fetish for uniform has lasted so long (approx 15-20 years for the strict styles). There are debates for and against having a uniform at all, but I think primary should be very laid back/optional jumpers if anything, and secondary should be more like the current primary uniform, or very plain with no logos.

It is not inclusive as it stands, as even if children with asd/sensory issues get given exemptions, they will be visible marked out as different.

I can see several people have already commented on this but this is a really strange post.

Europe and the US manage fine without uniform. I realise we're talking about the UK (well England really 🙄). I grew up in Spain and I wouldn't say it was any less respectful for not having uniform? Why do you think it is?

I also teach myself, in Scotland which has slightly less strange and random rules about uniform, it isn't really enforced in many schools and I don't think Scottish children are any less respectful. I don't make my (primary) aged children wear uniform if they don't want to on a particular day (or it's not clean/ironed!) and I don't think it's a logical step to assume my children aren't respectful just because they wear clothes that aren't grey and navy to school.

Why is it strange? I’ve seen a few similar responses to mine, just worded differently. If you don’t agree, just say so! It’s a free country.

Ok, I don't agree with you. So just to clarify what I'm asking, can you please explain why lack of uniform automatically means disrespect to you when lots of countries manage without it, or for example in the case of Scotland, don't reinforce it as strictly?

Excuse me?!

Because I’ve seen it first hand. Without going into detail as it could be outing! Sorry I’m being vague

I hadn’t realised the one thing those kids had in common was no school uniform - that’s amazing that you put that together - clever old you!🤔

Got to love the sarcasm. We don’t agree, I get it! Not responding to you any more!

I don't think you're making much sense sorry. Your one single handed experience doesn't really cancel out many other experiences from all over the world and it's a little naive and narrow minded of you to think so.

Ok :)

Yes! This is very true. Although I don't teach in England I am sure we share some of the same problems and they cannot all be solved by a stricter uniform.

Interestingly enough, noone (this poster included) has actually answered the question of...if uniform is so integral to good results/behaviour/discipline/lack of bullying/affordable clothes...then how do all the other countries in Europe and beyond manage it?!

They are going out tops and not really suitable for school. It's not hard to figure out!

Summer it's more relaxed a lot of the time.
School wear is different. The sloppy jumpers and hoodies she wears all summer are t really school wear either.

Because ultimately, it’s down to a number of factors. Uniform included. But it all ultimately boils down to the curriculum (as one of the main factors). Having taught both curriculums across primary (and yes I am actually a teacher whether you want to believe it or not) teaching eyfs ultimately is better than teaching the national curriculum.

Other countries, such as some of the ones mentioned on here don’t put pressure on the children within it to learn things they will barely use again in their careers, and focus on teaching practical and life skills.
When I taught ks2 I HAD to teach myself before I taught the children, which isn’t right! I’ve been through the same system they are going through.
So yes, ultimately it doesn’t necessarily boil down to uniform, but then, the debate has gone a bit further than that since the OPs post.

What is wrong is schools wasting time policing uniform violations - doesn’t happen in non uniform schools. As for pupils having to ask permission to take off their blazer - totally ridiculous.

When it was warmer DT’s wore shorts and T-shirt. In cooler weather, jeans and a hoodie. No monitoring required.

Where is a under 18 year old going out that she needs a going out wardrobe - I lack imagination - so humour me please.

DT’s school and their cousins in France, Belgium and the US- all non uniform didn’t have behaviour or lack of respect issues- all high achieving schools.

What evidence do you have?

@Flyhigher so what does she wear when she isn't "going out"?
You said she's going to college not school. Why wouldn't she wear jumpers and hoodies to college?

The evidence of working in a school day to day.

Must have been a school in the UK with a school uniform?

Thank goodness DT’s school was non uniform.

Yes quite :)

I wholeheartedly agree. Also, it lessens bullying in a way. If a child doesn’t wear designer, if they dress ‘weird’, if they wear the same outfit twice that week - kids will find any excuse to bully/pick on if children wore their own clothes to school. My parents didn’t have a lot of money and I was so grateful for school uniform so I didn’t get picked on for having ‘cheap’ clothes.

I don't know any teens that are obsessed with designer labels that half of Mumsnet seems to claim.
All the teens I know get their clothes from Primark or H+M (or Shein 🙁) or they experiment styles with secondhand.