The uniform difference: Nursery to reception

[mamalife1990]

My youngest is 4 and he is going to reception in September. He has been to nursery this past year. Both my kids go to private school but when they are in nursery the uniforms requirements are less strict. My son wore a branded t-shirt, comfy black trousers, comfy shoes and a jumper.

Now I'm currently in the process of buying his uniform for next year, so I'm looking over the requirements. And I'm still a little bit shocked at how formal the uniform is for a 4 year old. A stiff collard button down shirt. A tie, a v-neck jumper, proper school trousers and black leather shoes.

Obviously my daughter had to wear this exact uniform when she was in reception, but that was 4 years ago and honestly I forgot how bizarre it is for a 4 year old to be wearing extremely formal uniform instead of comfy clothes

There’s an academy chain near us where it’s shirt, tie and blazer. The private school my DC went to when they were younger was also shirt, tie and blazer. The private school my younger son has just left has polo shirts and sweatshirts for the younger pupils. No shirt, tie or blazer until Y5.

I remember this as a child in public school but was delighted to find out my kids could wear polos, trousers, jumpers and leather shoes. I think ties are hugely outdated and I would hate that for my kids.

It could still choose all those items. They just couldn’t require them all to be branded.

DT’s were at a private school from 4-18. No uniform. It was one of the reasons we chose it.

Buy 2nd hand shirts then much softer collar

I don’t think any child should wear school uniforms. They should wear what they want within reason. Most of them look really ridiculous in brand new over sized uniforms just to grow into. Some colours especially green sweater makes them look ill. Kids should look cheerful and colourful . In Europe they don’t wear uniforms only in some of the private schools. and they all become decent adults. I feel sorry for mums having to spend so much on uniforms,Some mums welcome the school uniforms but you can tell which uniforms have been handed down as they are often too big and faded. Maybe when they start secondary school introduce uniforms.I suppose I’ll get slated for this. 😆

My granddaughter starts school soon. The uniform all through primary is leggings, jogging bottoms or shorts in black or navy. White polo shirt or t shirt. Black or navy sweatshirt, jumper or cardigan. Black trainers and wellies for forest school. There is a logoed sweat shirt but no compulsion to buy it.Comfy, practical and you can buy it anywhere