to judge, and be irrationally pissed off, that DSs offered school...

[ASecretLemonadeDrinker]

doesn't wear ties? I went to private school and we were up to our eyeballs in straw hats, blazers, tunics etc. and the only 'uniform' DS seems to get is a logo jumper. Underneath they have the choice of a polo shirt, or a shirt, but the shirt looks so scruffy without a tie. When the snobbery novelty wears off I guess I will be glad I can bung a bunch of polos in the wash and quickly iron rather than deal with shirts every day, and lost ties and what not, but it's really put me off. His first choice at least has a P.E kit and ties. Go on, flame me, I am in a miserable grumpy mood

Fair enough, kids should be comfortable in their clothes but as I said I was never uncomfortable in primary school wearing a shirt and tie so maybe that's why I don't hate the idea of a formal uniform!

Don't get me wrong, I'm pleased I can get all DDs uniform from asda and it's easy to wash and best of all does not need ironing

There are a few parents at school who send there DC in long sleeved shirts instead of the polo shirts, and that is ridiculous IMO.

If the uniform policy would change tomorrow back to shirts and ties I wouldn't mind at all, I could still get the shirts from asda and ties don't cost a fortune. DD said she would love to wear a tie to school ( that would probably last all of 5 minutes)!!

Children can still be children in shirts, ties, long socks and shorts can't they??
DD wears long socks and they don't seem to impede her in the playground, ditto all the boys wearing shorts.

No net petticoats at home for DD, but lots of more modern very smart gorgeous clothes that she chooses herself.
Home and school are two very different places are they not??

I can understand wanting a PE kit. We had to wear red gym knickers and I'm buggered if my children won't be traumatised by that too.

OTOH my DH never wore a tie at school and I had to teach him how to tie one on his first day at work.

bright yes home and school are 2 very different places but IMO school has the added pressure of routine, learning not to metion social aspects and being comfy prob makes it slightly easier.

My DS 5 wears grey trousers or shorts, white polo and school jumper. He does look smart at 8am not by 3.30pm! BUT he enjoys school works hard and has friends surely thats what matters.

I have worked in many schools over the years and have found the younger children to be easily distracted with playing with their ties when they should be listening, but as long as the neighbours think they go to a good school what does that mateer

I absolutely agree that no matter what they wear to school they all come out looking nothing like the way they go in! However, I do not see that my ds will be uncmfortable in his school tie, children will be distracted by anything and he will still be a child, even in a tie! I am very strict about not dressing my dc to look older, choosing clothes that keep them looking children not mini adults, so I do not believe I will be dressing ds above his years, just complying with a school uniform, which yes looks smart at the start of the day!!