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School uniform - new legislation

46 replies

ejhhhhh · 07/05/2021 11:22

I don't know if everyone is aware, but new legislation has just been passed in parliament to oblige schools to ensure school uniform are as affordable as possible, particularly by keeping branded items to a minimum. My kids school has (like lots do) an overly expensive uniform imo, with lots of branded items. I feel that this legislation is a good opportunity to make it more affordable, for the benefit of everyone, and am wondering what's the best way to persue it with the school. I've sent a polite email asking if there's going to be any changes in light of the legislation, but if the school drag their heels (I've had similar requests rebuffed in the past, although that was before the law was on my side!), has anyone got any ideas what's best to do? I've discussed this with other parents, lots who agree with me, but some very vocal parents seem to want to keep the expensive uniform. My kids school does have a slightly different uniform to other local schools (we're a primary with a blazer), and the argument that other schools uniforms don't look as "smart", is often given as a reason for keeping it. I think that's a load of rubbish personally, and I do feel these parents are somehow, for some reason, trying to emulate a private school uniform for the perceived "poshness". Btw, these blazers cost more than £40 each, and for a state primary that seems excessive. There are a number of other compulsory branded items which add to the cost, such as jumpers, bags, tie, polo and PE shirts, it adds up to a considerable sum, which would be much cheaper if most items could be bought from generic shops. I was fully aware of the uniform policy before deciding to send my kids to that school, but didn't think it too much of a problem as we can afford it. Working with vulnerable families myself however, I am well aware that the cost of uniform is a big issue for lots of people, and the arguments for our current policy seem to take no account of this. I know items can be bought 2nd hand, although not easily or reliably, there's no official second hand shop, and do families who may struggle to afford the uniform really want to approach the school for help, as has been suggested? The whole policy of expensive uniforms (which is not at all the same issue as a smart uniform, kids can look equally smart in uniform from a supermarket, the branded stuff is no better quality), seems designed to exclude, and it just doesn't sit right with me. I think I might get backlash from some who want to keep the status quo, but I do feel that even if parents disagree with the new legislation, the school can't just choose to ignore (or play lip service) to this new legislation.

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stayathomer · 07/05/2021 11:28

The uniform thing is a minefield. To be honest I think the schools should play more of a part in advising people where to go for uniforms and showing parents the price, so for example in a supermarket is x for school jumper, x shop has them for x etc. Was very surprised we went to a man's department store type shop for school jumper only because all the chains were out of them. I was trying to figure out how to get out of it but then he jumper was actually only a few quid more expensive but light years ahead in quality. There should also be more call outs for swaps etc, it should be the norm if they are in good condition

ejhhhhh · 07/05/2021 11:38

I completely agree, for the sake of both environmental and costs reason the distribution of second hand uniform could really be improved at my school. It's all done informally via social media, so a case of fastest finger first on Facebook. If you're working all the hours just to stay afloat, it's unlikely your spending all your time on Facebook in the hope that someone will offer a 2nd hand blazer for sale. Don't even get me started on quality, our branded stuff is awful, much worse than the likes of M&S but much more expensive, which doesn't help the ability to use 2nd hand. I just cannot understand the arguments against a smart, generic, affordable good quality uniform!

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Onceuponatime1818 · 07/05/2021 11:50

We’ve got a school Facebook page where everyone sells old uniform for £1 an item. They usually leave it outside their home and you post the money I letter box!

Is there something you could set up?

Onceuponatime1818 · 07/05/2021 11:50

Ah sorry didn’t see your update!

Whatwouldscullydo · 07/05/2021 11:56

I fear this isnt aS good as it sounds tbh.

Keeping branded items to a minimum. One might argue the blazer is only 1 item so a policy is compliant. However blazers are the most expensive part and require a separate wash due to being unable to use softener so 2 blazers setting you back 60-100 quid and double it for 2 kids and well...

Its not just the branded stuff that's the issue anyway. There's the restrictions on the rest of it that still force a parent to use the school supplier. For example not allowing visible.logos on sports leggings or hard to match colours for the jumpers etc

Sorry that probably makes ne sound like the voice of doom but it's a missed opportunity I think

snowcobra · 07/05/2021 12:04

Maybe instead of changing the uniform the school could set up a second-hand shop? DD's school does this and it's very popular, the uniform is still "smart"/expensive but there are affordable options

ejhhhhh · 07/05/2021 12:29

Yes, I think a second and shop is needed, but even if we had one, I think that's a separate (but related) issue as I don't believe our policy complies with the new legislation. Other than me continuing to complain however, I'm not really sure how to use the legislation to help my case. It wouldn't matter so much if the blazer was the only branded item, or item that needs to be bought from the uniform supplier, but many of our uniform items are branded, you could not argue that is a minimum. But I do agree though, the definition of "minimum" is open to interpretation, which may not improve things much unfortunately. Surely anyone with common sense would understand that as one or two items, which is not what we have currently!

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Whatwouldscullydo · 07/05/2021 13:14

I'm not even sure second hand shops work really. Between different colours/coloured trims for houses and year groups and names being printed on its really difficult to match items up with people. That's why everything needed the over haul not just the jumper of branded items Hmm

Its been made as deliberately difficult to recycle school uniform ( in secondary at least) as humanly possible

lemotjuste · 07/05/2021 15:33

Ironically, the whole secondhand uniform thing often seems to be done better in private schools, where parents are generally more able to afford new. At ours, the uniform shop is very well stocked and heavily used, and there's no stigma in buying secondhand - practically all our stuff is secondhand. I agree that's not really the point though, OP. It's hard when a school refuses to strike a sensible balance between branded and non branded stuff, and particularly when a state school uses things like uniform to 'signal' what kind of family they want at the school. Does yours offer any free uniform to families in financial hardship, eg on free school meals? Many do.

LostInTime · 07/05/2021 15:41

Could you link to the legislation, or at least its name?
I do hate the way there needs to be a different jumper/tie/games kit for each house etc Hmm

ejhhhhh · 07/05/2021 18:46

Here's a link to the legislation. The full guidance hasn't yet been published, but hopefully when it does it will have some teeth. Although I won't hold my breath! www.gov.uk/government/news/new-law-to-make-school-uniform-costs-affordable-for-all

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ejhhhhh · 07/05/2021 18:48

The school can help with school uniform costs if families are in financial difficulty, or so they say. But that would require families to actually ask for help, which having worked with vulnerable families myself, I know that they're often reluctant to do that. They're more likely to just choose a different school, if they have a choice.

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AnatomyJane · 07/05/2021 18:51

I hate this!!! My kids old school had a colour theme, yellow and bottle green. Apart from that, they could choose. So either colour jumper, polo t shirt, green or grey trousers/shorts/skirt/tunic etc. You could buy generic or branded. Kids always looked smart but they could be dressed as an individual whilst adhering to uniform policy. Plus you could choose how much you spend!

MysteriousMonkey · 07/05/2021 18:55

Senior schools are the worst. My daughters school wear particular blouses (not plain white) that you can only get from one shop and they are £20 each. It's painful.

SushiGo · 07/05/2021 19:06

I have one child at secondary and after a primary that was fine with generic jumpers the cost is mad. Particularly annoying are items that would be cheap to buy non-branded (eg, plain black leggings for PE) are inexplicably logo'd.

All of the uniform is available from only one supplier who gets overwhelmed causing large delays every year. My DH was at a boarding school with a blazer. The logo was sold as a separate embroidered patch so it could be sewn on a generic blazer.

Why are state schools making their uniform harder to buy cheaply than private schools?? It's just mad.

Anyway, I'd be behind you if it was your school. Wait for the detailed guidance then write a letter to the Head copying in the relevant governor.

Whatwouldscullydo · 07/05/2021 19:25

Why are state schools making their uniform harder to buy cheaply than private schools?? It's just mad

Well it keeps out the riff raff doesn't it. All the.poor kids and the disabled kids who they think.will pull the grade averages down and/or won't tolerate wearing the uniform or can't afford it just won't bother applying. Leaves them teaching all the easier kids and quite possibly the ones who can afford to he tutored. Makes them.look better

Felyne · 07/05/2021 19:59

My DD is starting secondary in September. Girls have to have school skirt (£25), boys wear grey trousers from anywhere. Girls cannot opt for trousers.
Why the hell not? Why can't girls or boys wear either trousers, skirt (or shorts) as they prefer so long as they are the right colour.

alexdgr8 · 07/05/2021 20:09

that must be v unusual nowadays, that girls cannot wear trousers.
i wonder if that could be challenged, on various grounds.

Legoninjago1 · 07/05/2021 21:34

Mine are at private school and everyone buys from the second hand shop. There are big sales at the beginning of every term and you can get everything you need. Run by HM's wife and parent volunteers. The stuff is good quality and I'd say items can go through a fair few kids. I'd concentrate your efforts on getting that up and running.

TeenMinusTests · 08/05/2021 07:23

A state primary with a £40 blazer is pretty outrageous.

Is there a PTA? Why aren't they running pre-owned uniform sales termly?

JanetWeb2812 · 08/05/2021 13:39

Bog standard logoed schoolwear isn't particularly profitable for the uniform suppliers

Parker231 · 08/05/2021 13:59

I would suggest writing to the head and the governors asking their proposals for implementing the legislation.
For the poster with the school saying girls can’t wear trousers, I would definitely challenge. I think it’s ridiculous girls wearing skirts and dresses for school. Much better in trousers for getting changed for PE, doing handstands and kart wheels and for running around at break times.

RagzReturnsRebooted · 08/05/2021 15:41

This legislation is so needed, but probably won't go far enough.
Our primary is pretty good, there's an option of logo stuff but non logo is fine. PTFA have uniform sales every term. Secondary has, like PPs, different PE kit per house which is annoying but apart from the logo jumpers for school and PE and the logo PE top, everything else can be generic. They do have some 2nd hand stock that you have to email and ask, but often don't have the right size.
DD is going to a different secondary and they have blazers plus logo polo top and logo PE stuff, but apparently there's a better 2nd hand shop there.

Re the private school thing, a colleague (GP, so earning a LOT more than me) has her children at private school and says most parents buy 2nd hand from the school, seems a lot less taboo for rich people!

eurochick · 08/05/2021 15:55

Our daughter is at a private school and I can confirm that the nearly new shop does a roaring trade. We tend to buy a mix of new and second hand. It's environmentally sound as well as being cheaper.

Revengeofthepangolins · 08/05/2021 16:38

Am curious / why are trousers better for changing for PE?