Thoughts on school uniform?

[Twiglett]

I think school uniforms are excellent

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

me neither

I can, however, see a link between compulsory schools as factories churning out poorly educated, demoralised, de-individualised people and the enforced wearing of a uniform

I think it's snobby and obnoxious when you have to get the uniform from a particular supplier. Ds's school allows you to buy some items through them (if you want the schoold badge on it) but you can get it all from Asda if you choose.

I also hate the synthetics - but on the other hand I remember what it was like to wear and itchy wool skirt.

As for making the children unidentifiable, I actually find it easier with uniform. After all Jo might wear a blue shirt today, a red dress tomorrow, etc. At least when they're all in uniform you have to concentrate on their faces and properly learn them.

love em

I've loved the summer holidays and the joy of seeing my children in beautiful colours and well fitting clothes which I, or they have chosen to suit their personalities.

They just don't look so nice in bottle green nylon with grey cardigans.

Let's face it, who has ever bought their children bottle green and grey clothes out of choice?

Well put spacedonkey.

My ds has optional uniform. DS usually wears the polo shirt and fleece (but not always) but non-uniform trousers. I cannot bear those grey polyester trousers that come as part of the uniform 'package' or the thought of putting my son in clumpy black shoes at the age of 5. In his class about half wear it and half don't.

starlover, my ds2 is only just 4 - he's a summer baby - so I don't actually feel he is lacking any great skill in not being able to do a few tiny buttons up on his own.

but saying that a lack of school uniform makes your kids individuals is patently rubbish

they tend to cleave to social groups and uniform themselves

the goth uniform
the sleeze uniform
the mod uniform
the david beckham uniform

need I go on?

School isn't compulsory, anyone can home educate.

Some of the schools near us in Jakarta had a diferent uniform for every day of the week and even the children from slums were immaculately turned out. How their mothers did it, when they had no running water or electricity, let alone washing machines, I don't know.

agree with twig

I don't like them at all. school children in Scandinavia, the Netherlands etc don't have them but they nevertheless seem to manage to do fine educationally.

I think they are excellent. Most primary schools in Cardiff have them BUT they are not compulsory. This means that almost all the infants wear them but as the kids get older it becomes more of a fight to get them to continue. DD1 has just started in juniors and is still wearing uniform but I can see that in a year or two she will be wanting to wear her own clothes, which I am not looking forward to. I wish they would make uniform compulsory.
It's also not expensive as although there is "official" uniform with logos etc., most mums buy generic stuff from Tesco/Asda/M&S in the same colours which looks fine (and because it's not compulsory it's not an issue).

No-one forces them to be a goth

Love uniforms too. Especially proper shirt and tie ones - I'm traditional if not practical!

I also like the idea when the kids go on school trips they are indentifiable because of the uniform.

we have the choice at dd's school, you can either send them in in uniform or 'normal clothes. My dd goes in the funkiest clothes I can find

but she has no hair or teeth

But twiglett they've chosen the uniforms you have listed. It's completely different. Also there are variations allowed within the tribal dress codes of goths et al.

all school here have uniforms, some of horrible, the rest are ok. DS and DD1's is dark blue sweatshirts, light blue polo shirts and black or grey trousers.

also don't agree with the 'expensive' argument .. most schools' uniform can be bought in most high street stores .. for example white polo shirts 2 for £2.50 is hardly expensive .. I got DS's uniform from M&S .. £5 shorts, £7 trousers and he will wear it 5 days a week .. bargain

small children should be made to feel inclusive

individuality in dress when you should be focusing on individuality in mind is a bit nonsensical in my view

I am a goth/punk chick myself, but I like uniform, so much easier.

and how does the school system foster individuality of mind?

uniforms definitely have pros & cons
I am not a fan on balance as I find them
Boring, uncomfortable & militaristic
i think it is a bit of a sin to dress young children in dull colours like mini accountants

Are clothes are an expression of our individuality.

Tarantula

We had a blazer, grey with the Holy Faith emblem.

And a grey gaberdine [puke emotion]