School non uniform days

[carterjensy]

UK mum of two here. My daughter is currently being assessed for the SEN register (suspected ADHD), and I also have ADHD myself.

Is anyone else feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of themed and non-uniform days now?

World Book Day, Rock Star Day, Pyjama Day, Egyptian Day, Colour Days, Children in Need, Red Nose Day, Christmas jumper days, discos, Halloween, Easter bonnet parade… it just feels constant.

Individually, they’re fine. But all together, on top of work, homework, clubs and normal life, it’s a lot. Remembering the dates, finding outfits (often last minute), sending money in — it’s a steady mental load.

For kids with ADHD or additional needs, routine really matters. Frequent changes can be stressful rather than fun. And as a parent with ADHD, keeping on top of it all can be exhausting.

This isn’t about banning fun or fundraising. It’s about balance.

If this resonates, I’ve started a petition asking for sensible limits on themed/non-uniform days so families aren’t under constant pressure

FWIW most of my teacher friends hate it too!

I would get in touch with the Parent Council at your child’s school and raise it with them, as this is something that is decided by individual schools not the authorities.

That is a lot of days and not something that happens as my DC school. My DC have Christmas Jumper Day, Halloween and a Pyjama Day. We still mark World Book Day with children taking in their favourite book instead. We don’t do any of the others because of cost to parents - this was a rule created by the Parent Council and agreed with the Head Teacher after parent complaints about the cost of marking every event.

That’s way too many. Also an issue from a poverty proofing point of view.

So don't take part? None of these are obligatory and there's always kids I school who don't bother - esp things like red nose day, CIN, etc where there's no associated activities.

Most schools don't actually do that she list so I really think this should be sorted on a parent / individual school basis not the Govt mandating which days my kid is allowed OOU.

I don't think a petition is the way to go.
Surely the way to go is to talk to the school, and maybe to other parents to see if they are finding it too much too?

My daughters school do a lot of dress down in their own clothes days, but have stopped doing all the themed days as they understood the cost for everyone was too much. Last year the only time we had to provide themed clothes was number day and nativity.

My DNephew had a Roman day today (project) and he’d grown out of the costume I bought him last year so his mum panic threw together a sort of toga from a sheet and made him a shield and helmet. He looked great.

Talk to the school though. That is too many days.

It’s not really that hard and it’s fun for the kids.

My daughter is autistic and loves dressing up! Just don’t take part if yours doesnt, it’s not compulsory

Just let them wear their own clothes, it's not compulsory to dress up and it really doesn't require a petition. I think if your child isn't interested you may have lost sight of the fact that lots of children enjoy these days.

Our school doesnt do anywhere near that amount though so not sure if that’s usual, they don’t do anything for Halloween or Easter and I’ve never heard of Egyptian day, rock star day or colour day.

There were always a few children in my class who didn't want to dress up for whatever reason and that was fine. As a teacher, I thought it was a faff too but some parents and children like it.

As other PPs say, this is decided at an individual school level alongside the PTA. If you feel there are too many speak to the school/PTA. Our school have a couple of non-uniform days, Halloween, Christmas jumper & occasionally CIN/Red Nose Day. World Book Day we do a book swap.

Have you tried emailing your headteacher about it?

The reason i have done a petition is I’ve seen alot of other parents on social media struggling with their schools non uniform days.
also i have no problem with a reasonable amount but in my area its getting excessive.

Thank you thats a great idea, i will look into that. I absolutely have no problem with non uniform days just seems like a few schools in my area are getting excessive, thank you for your constructive feedback 🙂

For you maybe and thats great, well done you.

You can cover most of those days by sending them in in their pyjamas

Yes i will, thats not even all of them too 😆. I just wanted to see if it was an issue for any other struggling parents across the uk.

Yeah agree the petition was more to see if other parents in the uk felt the same and to help them if it was an issue.

If your child cannot cope then don't do it.

There are plenty of SEN kids who thoroughly enjoy these days. There are plenty of non SEN kids that hate them.

They are optional.

What about the children who don't have decent pyjamas?

Yes, as a parent of an autistic child, it was too much at primary school.

It's all very well PP saying well just don't participate, but for us, DD wanted to participate, she didn't want to be the odd one out. But from a routine and sensory point of view it was a nightmare. It took far more time and effort than it should've done preparing her in advance and trying to ensure that she was happy, to then be met with a meltdown on the morning itself anyway. My heart sunk each time a dress up day was announced.

So should the kids who enjoy it not be allowed dress up days?