school uniform - any evidence of benefits?

[dreamylady]

DD's primary school doesn't have a uniform and hasn't had for many years. The head and staff are keen to introduce a uniform, parents and children are divided.

I'm a governor and as well as personally thinking the lack of a uniform reflects the uniquely (in our area) liberal, diverse, multicultural nature of the school, I'm concerned that if we go ahead with a uniform it will become a huge distraction and create extra work at a time when we have lots of other things to think about.

Does anyone know of evidence either way that school uniform at primary age does or doesn't have an impact on behaviour, attendance, attainment, reputation, OFSTED ratings, or anything else?

thanks,

dreamy

Actually a uniform would put me off. Well we have to have one but if there were options anyway.

DS3 has to wear joggers becuase of his SN and I feel it amrks him out abdly that he is different and I really don;t like that, the inclusion of his base (specilaist teaching within a MS environment) is onne reason we chose it but his need fopr special clothing works against that.

I can see it a Secondary but IME of Primary the kids don;t ahev a clue about who wears what (ds1 in year 6, ds2 in year 5). I don;t think they ahve yet reached that stage. And it's just as possible for kids to be snoty about Asda jumpers or repaired trousers in uniform anyway. They just move on to shoes, or coat.

I've worked in a school with a non-uniform, the kids on the whole looked scruffy and in some cases inappropriate

there was also a security issue, the school was split over 2 sites by a road and anyone could wander on site, you wouldn't know if they were students or not

I am a primary Headteacher, and I have changed my views on uniform over the years. I used to think it was a bit irrelevant whe I was a classroom teacher as it was just another job for me to sort out (i.e checking up on it being worn properly etc). once I move into a more senior role I began to see that uniform gets 'buy in' to the vaules you want the children to have - if it's done properly that is.

I wear my school's badge every day: I talk (in assembly nearly all the time!) about how proud I am to wear it as it symbolises being part of this fabulous school and how we all believe in our values of respect, kindness, hard work and tolerance.

I work in a tough area and uniform is crucial - it gives children chance to step into a role where thiose values are important whereas I know that for some their home life doesn't have those values.

I have full length mirror in the corridor with 'Do you feel proud?' wriiten on it so i can take children too it and say "look how smart you look, I am so proud of you" because community pride is thin o the gorund here as all the children know that this area is considered 'rough'. I am trying to change their perception of themselves and their community.

Sorry about all the typos - I am eating an ice cream!

Agree about identifying children more easily in the playground if they wear uniform. I just see a sea of football tops and 'pink' on non-uniform day. It's quite disorientating!

Well said Kapok. Though I'm not sure about eating an ice cream in February.
These supermarket thingies have a lot to answer for...

ooo that's interesting about the identifyig children thing - it just happened to have been something we talked about that morning (as DS2 had to wear his trainers with his school uniform as he wrecked his shoes when he hurt his leg at school). School secretary and I could waste hours with mindless banter so it was only when I saw this thread I thought anything of it.

I like uniform but the uniform at my children's school is a pain. Button up shirts, tie, no trousers for girls. The children do look smart, but PE must be a nightmare especially for the little ones.

The thing about my children's school that I do like is the grey trousers and skirts. Black trousers are not my favourite on children, but maybe that's just me.

Madsometimes personally I'd challenge a no trousers for girls policy under equality legislation, but that's just me. Then again, I wouldn't send my DCs to a school with such prehistoric daft policies.

I grew up in the Netherlands, no uniform, and there were good and bad schools just as there are here. I think the British are a bit obsessed with style over substance, TBH. I see the point with regard to poorer kids - sort of, as bullies will always find something to focus on...

What really gets on my wick is schools exploiting parents by having expensive sole supplier deals - both middle schools in my town have these so I'm stuffed, you have no choice but to buy the overpriced logo'd polyeter crap. this should be illegal.