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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.

OP posts:
Parker231 · 08/05/2021 16:43

Trousers are easier for little ones in the winter as no tights to get on with a skirt or dress. Much more practical for running fast and climbing play equipment in the playground.

TheWatersofMarch · 08/05/2021 16:57

If the government stopped charging VAT on school branded uniform it would be a start.

mygee · 08/05/2021 17:19

I'm pleased to see this.

Our primary isn't too bad in that they don't insist on school logo for anything (although the jumper is a colour that I've never seen in supermarket uniforms so actually you don't have a choice.) There are two suppliers to choose from, one cheaper than the other. They have coloured houses for PE tops but they make sure siblings are in the same house so you can hand the T-shirt down.

Secondary on the other hand- expensive blazer that's actually quite poor quality, different coloured ties and PE kit for different houses, pupils can be moved to a different colour so need to buy new uniforms in the new colour, very particular about shoes and coats. £28 for a PE hoodie that doesn't even wash well. Most of it has to be purchased from one supplier who struggle to keep up each year meaning some pupils start without full correct uniform. Supplier also insists that the rugby top is compulsory when it's not, hardly anyone wears one!

itsgettingwierd · 08/05/2021 17:50

If it stops schools being able to make girls wear "logo" skirts (and I use that term lightly because it's usually embroidery on the waist band no one can see!) at £18 a pop whilst boys can wear supermarket school trousers then it's an amazing idea.

I agree though it risks schools insisting on 1 very expensive branded item which brings them revenue.

Personally I'd like to see focus on teaching and learning and stop seeing girls dressed in shirts, ties and blazers.
There is no need. The 2 continuously highest achieving schools locally to me have a polo and sweatshirt uniform and allow the controversial leather converse.
The 2 who have the strictest uniform and focus massively on their image have achieved worse year on year the past 3.

Parker231 · 08/05/2021 18:05

DT’s went to a school with no school uniform. Usual outfits were jeans/T-shirt/hoodie. It had no impact onto behaviour or exam results.

Effzeh · 08/05/2021 23:28

@Parker231

DT’s went to a school with no school uniform. Usual outfits were jeans/T-shirt/hoodie. It had no impact onto behaviour or exam results.
Same, both primary and secondary (mainstream UK state schools).

Such a blessed relief to not have to shell out for ugly overpriced polyester clothing and allow teenagers to dress like normal teenagers. The only rules were: No beachwear, no high heels or flip flops, no visible underwear, no offensive slogans. Job done, everybody could get on with focussing on their actual schoolwork.

ejhhhhh · 10/05/2021 20:28

I completely understand the need for a second hand uniform shop, there was one running on a ad-hoc basis, but not know. But tbh, I think focusing too heavily on that solution is missing the point, and it's that sort of argument that has been made in past for keeping the uniform as is. The new legislation stipulates that uniforms should be affordable. Ideally, for environmental reasons as well as cost, we'd have both. At the very least though we need a different policy so we have an affordable uniform from new, in order to comply with the legislation. I've written to the head, so I'll see what she says.

OP posts:
Scarby9 · 10/05/2021 20:34

Our local secondary's uniform list is updated termly with lists of where suitable black trousers can be bought with exact specifications and prices - from M&S to all local supermarkets.

PettsWoodParadise · 16/05/2021 23:07

I think this may be a damp squib (many poorly drafted Private Members Bills that make it through are often lacking in any real ‘teeth’)

  1. looking at the Act it only comes into force two months after enacted. It achieved Royal Assent 29 April so would come into force end of June

  2. The legislation only refers to an obligation to issue guidance to schools, not that I can see the guidance has to be followed?

BluebellsGreenbells · 16/05/2021 23:17

It’s only been two weeks, I’m sure the staff will be on it at some point, these things do t happen overnight so for that YABU

I also think uniforms in general add a huge cost/waste to the environment - kids grow quickly and having home clothes and uniform is a total waste of money and resources.

Uniform doesn’t level the children, my kids know who the rich kids are! (You know the ones off skiing all winter and Portugal all summer)

Then what do we see outside school? Kids all dressed in the same leggings hoodies and trainers - they u inform themselves anyway!!

HalzTangz · 16/05/2021 23:32

I think all schools should have plain black or grey trousers/skirts, black jumpers (plain), white shirts. The only branded thing should be the blazer

PettsWoodParadise · 17/05/2021 06:37

@HalzTangz

I think all schools should have plain black or grey trousers/skirts, black jumpers (plain), white shirts. The only branded thing should be the blazer
Sounds like a totalitarian state with no chance for feeling proud of your own school or the public being able to say ‘the children from x school are so polite’.
Whatwouldscullydo · 17/05/2021 07:01

If people are telling the truth about what they claim uniform does though it would fit the bill no?

I thought it was meant to be a leveller not so parents can boast their kids go to certain schools with said polite pupils?

Anyway there's nothing they can do in a 35 pound branded blazer that they cabt do in a 10 pound plain one so there's no need fir the branded blazer anyway

PettsWoodParadise · 17/05/2021 14:49

@Whatwouldscullydo

If people are telling the truth about what they claim uniform does though it would fit the bill no?

I thought it was meant to be a leveller not so parents can boast their kids go to certain schools with said polite pupils?

Anyway there's nothing they can do in a 35 pound branded blazer that they cabt do in a 10 pound plain one so there's no need fir the branded blazer anyway

I never mentioned boasting. Taking pride is different from boasting. Also the same colours everywhere would make me think of Maoist China. I also never said it needed to be an expensive blazer. You can have variety with a bit of difference without expense. DD has major issues as it is with her school skirt, they have three options to choose from, some more expensive than others, if it were just one plain grey variety it would be a nightmare as the core options never seem to fit curvy girls. Try and make it homogenous then we will have lots of children with even worse body image issues than exist at present. Appreciate though that some people will have different opinions.
Whatwouldscullydo · 17/05/2021 14:52

Ddbalso had an.18.50 one type fits all school skirt.

I think any generic black.or grey skirt should suffice no idea why they have they have introduced this tartan shit. They can still roll them up akd they do so makes zero difference besides being 3 times the price

Whyisitsodifficult · 23/05/2022 22:58

I know this is old but wondered if you had any luck op?

Whyisitsodifficult · 23/05/2022 22:59

@ejhhhhh

RestingPandaFace · 23/05/2022 23:04

Perhaps push more in the direction of a ‘black blazer’ which could be from anywhere and a sew on / iron on badge rather than an embroidered blazer from a school supplier. See on badges could be used on a range of plain uniform but keep the feel that the school wants to achieve.

RestingPandaFace · 23/05/2022 23:05

Oops zombie thread!

Kerberos · 23/05/2022 23:13

We set up a second hand shop in our secondary PTA. Does a roaring trade and has been really popular, despite the school having 7 different houses with colours to take into account. We were astounded. Never thought it would work at secondary. Our primary also had a very busy second hand shop.

Rather than whining about it on here, go to the PTA and offer to help set one up.

Kerberos · 23/05/2022 23:14

Arse. This is a zombie thread!

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