Advice please: can a school change the uniform without asking the parents?

[Smurfs]

DC school has recently announced that the uniform will be changing at the start of the next school year. The parents were not asked whether they would like it to change but just offered options with regards to colour etc. Can they do this? All advice would be gratefully received.

Yes they can - the governors can agree a new uniform and implement it as long as they give parents a terms notice of the change.

And it is the governors that decide on the uniform not the Headteacher, although they usually make the recommendation. The Governors are also responsible for ensuring that they do not disadvantage any pupils by their choice of uniform.

Thanks mrspnut, on the issue of disadvantaging a pupil by their choice of uniform is that in terms of affordability etc?

Yes, they have to ensure that the uniform is affordable and easily purchased. They are not allowed to specify that it has to be bought from a particular shop.

yes they can, our school changed uniform TWICE in 18mths

however LEGALLY school uniform is NOT compulsory in primary school and whilst a school can recommend that your child wears it, they CANNOY insist upon it

thanks 3madboys, I don't think I would have the balls to make my DC the example and wear the current uniform after the new year begins. They so want to be the same and not stick out in primary I think. Looks like I have to go with the consensus of opinion

Legally school uniform is not compulsory at any school - however it is usually covered by the school's own behaviour and discipline policies.

If you agree to enroll your child at a school then you are agreeing to abide by it's policies. Therefore you would be in effect agreeing to the uniform wearing by your child's attendance at that school.

The latest guidance (oct 2007) from DSCF strongly encourages schools to have a uniform in place because they believe it promotes learning.

In general most school have a 'run in' period (when both uniforms are allowed), during which time children will tend to naturally grow out of the old uniform and need it replacing, even if the uniform had stayed the same.

Check with the school to see what their policy will be.

sorry to hijack but if uniform legally must be available from more than one shop how does dcs state school manage to specify that blazer, tie, jumper, set style of skirt, odd shade of tights, both unavailable elsewhere, netball skirt-ditto, pe sweater, pe polo shirt, socks, pe knickers, rugby shorts, rugby top, football top, swimming kit, pe bag, games bag, swimming bag, art folder, pencil case and school bag must all be bought from a set uniform supplier? All are badged and a slightly funny colour so not available elsewhere?

Write to the governors and ask them this question - also mention DSCF guidance and ask if they've considered the spirit of inclusion when setting the uniform policy.

If it came down to your child not wearing the correct uniform because you were unable to afford to buy all of it then the Local Authority would take a dim view of any punishments handed out by the school.

IME the worst for this are voluntary aided schools and new academy schools.