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Original poster

Thoughts on school uniform?

195 replies

Twiglett · 15/09/2005 14:23

I think school uniforms are excellent

inclusive, socially leveling and giving a huge sense of belonging so fostering respect

OP posts:
starlover · 15/09/2005 14:24

i like them too.
if you wear a uniform you can't be bullied for not wearing the "right" clothes.

kids look very smart, and as twiglett says have a sense of belonging

sparklymieow · 15/09/2005 14:24

I love DS and Dd1's school having uniform, evryone looks the same. I've found on non uniform days, all the kids start comparing clothes, thank god thats only once a term.

JoolsToo · 15/09/2005 14:24

Love 'em - a leveller.

I hate it though when secondary kids turn theirs into the lastest fashion - you know, rolling the waist band over so it becomes a belt - and stuff like that (I'm old)

nutcracker · 15/09/2005 14:25

Yep I love em too.

dejags · 15/09/2005 14:26

Love them. despite the stick we got of DH's family that DS1 was far too young for a uniform.

DS loves it and there is never any issue about what he is going to wear for school.

Original poster
Twiglett · 15/09/2005 14:26

my secondary school uniform had the shortest possible skirt of course my waist looked huge because of the amount of times I'd rolled over the waistband

I think at secondary level school uniform and the amendments you make to it really allows for true individuality rather than just the latest fashion trend

OP posts:
littlerach · 15/09/2005 14:27

And you don't have the battle of what to wear each morning.

spacedonkey · 15/09/2005 14:28

I don't like them. I don't buy the levelling argument, and I think there's something horribly military about the whole concept.

soupy · 15/09/2005 14:29

there's always one

Kayleigh · 15/09/2005 14:29

I do love uniforms but I have to say that now that ds2 has gone into juniors and they can wear polo shorts all year round I am really peeved that ds2 (who started in reception last week) has to wear a shirt and tie in the infant school he attends. I know he looks dead cute, but before last week he could dress perfectly well all by himself. Now we are having to do up shirt buttons and it is a huge pain - especially as he wants to do the whole lot himself - cuffs too. If I let him we would never get out the house.

Original poster
Twiglett · 15/09/2005 14:29

I am truly shocked at that leap I can't see anything miliary

it just strikes me as educational

OP posts:
tarantula · 15/09/2005 14:30

I live em in the sense that they should be a great leveller etc. But can be very expensive and particularly hate the whole 'you have to buy this t-shirt for pe from the school shop which costs £15 rather than a similar one from tescos which is £3'. School uniforms are great as long as they are kept simple and easy. Over complication spoils it all IMO.

Befoer anyone jumps on me yes I know its cheaper than not doing uniform but when you have a child who looses PE kits left right and centre its gets very expensive.

spacedonkey · 15/09/2005 14:30

But then I don't agree with the concept of compulsory schooling either!

scotlou · 15/09/2005 14:30

I used to like it - but now feel it's a bit of a shame for a 4 or 5 year old to have to wear dull clothes and black shoes every day. At my ds school, they may not compare clothes but they certainly compare toys and other stuff.

Original poster
Twiglett · 15/09/2005 14:30

uniform doesn't have to be shirt and tie .. ours is polo shirt, sweatshirt and charcoal or black trousers / shorts / skirt (or gingham dresses)

OP posts:
Original poster
Twiglett · 15/09/2005 14:31

and we have choice of red or blue

OP posts:
LIZS · 15/09/2005 14:31

I like them. I'm surprised how happily ds has taken to it having been to school for 4 years without one. Everyone knows what is expected and where they stand. Some can be a bit ott though -down to the colour of knickers ! - and am less keen on the add ons having to be particular suppliers, such as outdoor coats and gym shorts.

starlover · 15/09/2005 14:32

hmm well we had to wear shirts to school and i never had a problem doing up buttons

nor did i have any issues doing buckles or laces on my shoes which far too many kids seem to have an issue with these days

motherinferior · 15/09/2005 14:32

I don't like them either. And interestingly, the kids at DD1's new school don't wear jailbait outfits either; they're all in jeans, T-shirts and generally practical but attractive clothes.

sunnydelight · 15/09/2005 14:32

Stops arguments and they look smart. I particularly like them at secondary level - DS1 can express his individuality after school and weekends!

PrettyCandles · 15/09/2005 14:33

Today is ds's second day at school, and he was so excited that he wanted to lay his uniform out as soon as he got up. And when he started part-time nursery seeing me lay out his uniform in the morning told him what he was oing to do that day, and again gave him great delight.

I was dubious about uniform for 2yo (only red sports shirt and tracksuit with nursery logo), but have found it to be excellent. I agree with Twiglett 100%, plus no hassle in the morning about what to wear, plus their clothes in general wear better if some is reserved for school and some for other activities. It's just like having special clothes for gym.

spidermama · 15/09/2005 14:33

I don't buy the claim that they're socially levelling. For one thing they're expensive, for another, if other kids really want to make social judgements based on clothes they'll look at shoes and coats, age of uniform etc etc.

I think uniforms are ugly and dehumanising. They send out an early message that to the children 'Don't bother attempting to be individual. You're just a number here'.

They're usually made of non-breathable nylon material. I hate the fact that I can't tell one child from the next because they all look the same.

I really, really resent school uniform, and I'm constantly amazed that I'm in such a small minority. (sigh)

suedonim · 15/09/2005 14:34

Uniforms are a great thing. Developing countries like India and Indonesia take pride in their children's uniforms, because they really value education. We need more of that attitude in this country, imo.

spidermama · 15/09/2005 14:35

I don't see the link between uniform and education myself.

tarantula · 15/09/2005 14:36

Also think they could make the uniformsmore practical esp at infant level .Put the little ones in nice plain tracksuits or trousers and poloshirts much better than shirts.

And I dont get blazers at secondary school either I think they look horrid and are soooo expensive. after a short time they go all shiney and nasty and jsut dont look smart at all (but then Im Irish and we dont go in for blazers over there)