Uniforms

[Haberdashery]

I'm curious to know what others think of uniforms for primary school children. Does it make your life easier? Do your children like wearing a uniform? Is there a downside? Has it proved expensive for you? And how strictly is your school uniform enforced? Or do your children attend a school without a uniform?

The reason I ask is that our local school which has always been non-uniform is thinking of introducing one and I am quite against it (it's one of the reasons I picked this school).

It seems to me that lots of countries get by fine without uniforms and there doesn't seem to be any sensible evidence that they improve academic outcomes (which I think may be where the school is coming from). I also think that it's nice for children to wear their own comfortable and colourful clothes at school.

But I'm interested to hear from other parents as I've never had a child at a school with a uniform so I don't know what the reality of it is like.

Yes I think it makes life easier to have a uniform. And no it hasn't been expensive, it is a lot cheaper than normal clothes (and you have to have quite a few of them since you can't wear the same clothes everyday). I suppose the school is "strict" about uniform but tbh unless you're quite unreasonable it's not hard to stick to the uniform rules. I can't think of any downside actually.

I was very against uniforms before my children started school.

We don't have them where I come from and I thought they were unnecessary.

I love them now. (Although I love the one we have which is pretty much anything from the supermarket uniform range - so it's cheap, and you do have lots of choice)

I wouldn't like a formal uniform. Tie and blazer stuff.

I love them because they're cheap, and the kids always know what to wear in the morning. So one less headache :)

None of my kids are at all clothes conscious. Don't know if they would be if they weren't wearing uniform or not..... But I would def spend more money, and have more hassle in the morning.

Yes, it makes life easier. No faffing around deciding what to wear and arguments over wanting to wear something impractical to school. The kids are happy wearing uniform and have been since they were in the nursery class, even my 4 year old DS who can be funny about clothes. The jumpers and polo shirts with the school badge on are a bit expensive - £8 for the shirt I think and £12 for the jumper, something like that anyway. The skirts/trousers I just pick up in Tesco/Asda and are really cheap. We do have letters home once in a while reminding us of uniform policy but I don't think they're that strict, I don't always send my kids in in the badged clothes (I have back up, cheaper unbadged shirts) and no-one's ever said anything.

Not sure I can think of a downside, but equally, if they got rid of uniform tomorrow I don't think I'd be that bothered personally.

I like it - less thinking about what DC wear, and much cheaper - especially as school set up 2nd uniform shop - good quaulity sweat shirt for 50p!
My DC likes it too I think he feels he belongs
enforcing I don't know -as the only think you need to buy from the school are the sweatshirts its not a problem
and as they get older it means we will have less of issue about fashion etc
I am non convienced about academic outcomes either -especially in primary school -although it might help the image of the school which might attract some parents?

I love the fact that our primary is non-uniform. Takes the novelty out of clothes, especially when you're talking about girls. Teachers there who have taught in both uniform and non-uniform say they prefer non as it respects the children's individuality and it's somehow easier to get to know them rather than looking at a sea of 30 grey jumpers. Hate seeing little ones looking like they're setting off for a day at the office. And also to be honest, it's nice not to worry about having the right clean bits of uniform ready, just chuck anything on each morning. Initially I was worried that DD and I would argue about what she wears each morning but we agree the night before and lay it out and it's never been a problem.

I don't particularly like them in principle, but haven't had any problems in practice. Most primary uniforms (at least around here) seem to be inoffensive and practical (polo shirt, trousers/skirt, sweatshirt) and at dd's school it is not particularly strongly enforced. KS1 children in particular often have just the sweatshirt or polo shirt.

TBH I think a non-compulsory uniform is probably the ideal (ignoring any arguments about whether they're allowed to be compulsory - in some schools in effect they are). Most children will wear it, parents generally seem to like them, but it allows for individual quirks, whether - for example - that be a 4 y/o who only wants to wear her batman t-shirt that week, or a child with SN who can't manage an over the head jumper and is better off with a cardigan.

LOL Sydney at we just argue it out the night before .

My DD has only been at the school for a few weeks (she's in Reception) but so far we haven't had any problems with her wanting to wear ridiculous clothes to school. She is a fairly sensible child and her main priority is to be warm (which is also pretty much how I approach dressing in the autumn/winter ).

I'm pretty disorganised and worry about having to have the right things clean and dry - I know I'd do it, I can just see me putting more washes on in the week than I really want to because DD has tipped yoghurt down herself or something at lunchtime.

Also, it does seem like extra expense - don't children need all the usual stuff anyway (a range of weather and activity appropriate clothes) so you just end up buying a whole extra set of stuff for school? Obviously second hand won't be an option as there has never been a uniform before.

I think it's probably about image, as you say, An0therName. I know that the non-uniform thing is unpopular with a lot of parents round here, although for me it was a plus.

I guess I would not mind a non-compulsory uniform. I think I feel a bit sad about the colourful little band of childre I see in the playground turning into a mass of grey and red, or whatever.

Ha Megapixels! Not yet but she's only in Reception, ask me again in a few years. I still like her going off to school looking like HER though, rather than everyone else. But am confessed bleeding heart liberal :)

childreN (obviously)

you need way less other clothes in my experience; my DS does't get changed after school normally so it only the weekends and holidays. I have a wash on every day anyway so it not too bad re having things ready

DS is at an independent school which is pretty strict about uniform. Previously he was at a state school that a had a uniform based around sweatshirts, polo shirts etc. He's P3 now.

Before he started school I was very against a unifrom, I felt it restricted them as individuals. However DS has always loved it, he likes belonging to his school and being like his friends. And, now I find it quite easy - I know we need to have a certain number of clean items on a Sunday to get us through the week. And in the mornings there is no fuss or argument. I find it much harder getting DD dressed for her non-uniform pre-school.

our uniform's a white polo shirt and plain grey skirt/trousers with a school sweatshirt. it's comfy, practical and inexpensive! i wouldn't want a primary school uniform to include proper shirts or ties though. i think they look adorable in their uniforms and also think it sets the scene for being in 'school mode' in much the same way as i'd dress differently for work to being at home.

I have heard from teachers at schools where they wear school uniform that there is a noticeable decline in behaviour on mufti days.

I wonder if it was because uniform was the norm so kids became silly or children in mufti are more relaxed so they are sillier?

Second hand uniform will come up before long, most of DC's is from charity shops or the Lost Property sales.
Your DC isn't old enough to worry about impressing other children with how she dresses, but believe me, it starts to become a huge issue by y3/y4 age.
It makes it easier for school on outings to spot their own brood & keep them together.
I can't help but think (trying to say this kindly) that you need to get more organised, anyway.
The main problem is making sure that the uniform is well labeled (securely labeled), because obviously it's easy to confuse jumpers when they all look the same.
Most state schools don't require you to use only their logo'd uniform, so you can buy 2nd hand generic items in right style/colours quite cheaply.

I didn't understand your worry about seasons, pinafores can be worn barelegged or with tights, instant summer or winter dress. With boys you have shorts or trousers, but most shorts last several years (or picked up cheaply 2nd hand). After a while boys wear out the knees of trousers & you can make your own shorts. Plus they don't wear shorts after y3/4, anyway. Boys showing legs becomes deeply uncool, for some reason.

Footwear is more of an issue, I like to buy DD conventional school shoes (like sandals, in my mind) for summer, and boots in winter, which means less value for money than ideal... but with boys they wear the same style year round anyway.

Do avoid blazers and ties and funny hats, though, I don't think anybody sensible is a fan of those.

crazygracie, I think that its very different if you have a special day, compared to wearing normal clothes all the time. Certainly in the 70s I think that uniform in primary was unusual, and we were very well behaved and hard working all the same (well, mostly )

I like them because there is no discussion or time wasting over what to wear. I currently have 3 in uniform and if it was own clothes then DD1 would insist on wearing shorts and short sleeved t-shirts every day. It would drive me nuts every morning! They have plenty of time for individuality at the weekend and after school!

Also, from a school's POV, they are really useful when on school trips etc as you can clearly see who is in your party and it helps you keep an eye on them. This is esp useful for parent helpers.

It's also a good leveller so there's no teasing about quality and brand of clothing which can happen a lot at 7+ (Ive heard it at parties) If you don't have the money and only have one sweatshirt which you regularly wash then the other kids won't notice that your child has worn the same sweatshirt all week.

I like uniform. The initial outlay is fairly expensive but no more than what I'd spend during the year on other clothes. It means I dont have to think about what DS1 wears during the day, and I think he looks super cute in it.
The only issue I have is tracking down trousers for DS1 - hes quite sensitive and its really difficult to get him trousers that dont itch (supermarket ones dont cut the mustard - he complained about all the ones he tried on other than the tesco cotton mix and I could only get hold of one pair of those), especially in his small size. It would be easier/cheaper if none of it were branded, as that is what proves more expensive, but it doesnt break the bank. I buy second hand if I can as well.

I hate school uniforms, even the relaxed polo shirt and sweat shirt ones. It make me so sad to see all the individuals dressed up to look the same and I think it stifles self expression.

However, DS1 loves his school uniform! he takes great pride in going to, what he considers to be, the smartest secondary school in town. He never has any problem with choosing what to wear any way, its me that has the problem with his clothing choices, which probably means his sense of individuality is not really a problem.

So I haven't changed my mind, I still hate them, but each to their own - that is after all what makes us individuals in the first place :) - I'm unlikely to ever choose to wear a uniform but if my DC's are happy I'm not going to interfear.

Totally opposed to school uniforms, so thankful my kids didn't have them growing up in London and so upset my grandkids might be forced to wear them, as there's so little school choice in London these days, they can hardly hold out for personal freedom, will be lucky to just get halfway decent school place won't. Uniforms are the hallmark of totalitarian societies, Hitler Youth wore uniforms, likewise the Young Pioneers in Stalin's Russia were distinguished by their uniforms. Uniforms lead to uniformity, and I still feel safer when kids are encouraged to think independently and not be part of a mob clique anything that leads to groupthink.

I went to a secondary school without uniform and never noticed/experienced any disparaging of anyone's clothes based on brand or price (and this was a super-expensive selective girls' school) so I'm surprised to hear that children in Y3 or so are doing this kind of thing. I would have thought it was more likely at an older age, not less likely! It makes me wonder if children who are used to not wearing uniform attach less importance to how others are dressed which would be a definite plus point for me.

I am also slightly concerned about the comfort factor. DD loathes both tights and trousers and so far a skirt or dress and leggings has been both warm and practical for her - presumably this might not be acceptable with a uniform. She also hates itchiness so it would also be cotton all the way for us (gah, ironing, though in reality it would probably just mean she looked a little crumpled because I don't iron my own clothes and am unlikely to start ironing anybody else's).

It is very interesting to read everyone's experiences of uniform so thank you very much for helping me out with that.

Did most of you wear uniform at your own schools when younger? Do you think that this has made a difference to how you felt about uniforms for your own children? I remember really loving not having a uniform and perhaps that makes me less receptive to the idea than I might have otherwise been.

The thing is that sadly, those kind of comments, happen whether its uniform or not. I wore uniform at secondary, like most of us, and it was just as hard to keep up with everyone else in the fashion stakes. You could always spot the kids in the second hand uniform, dirty uniform, the 'wrong' shoes (I was one of them!). I also remember the stress of non-uniform day, coming up with the right outfit. If everyone can dress as they like there's more room to hide those inconsistencies I think.

DS has always worn uniform, even preschool had special sweatshirts. Can't imagine what it would be like to have to sort a new outfit out every day, you don't have to think about uniform, as long as it is clean and presentable. It's bad enough having non uniform days to raise money for red nose day etc, the competition is fierce especially amongst the girls.

That's raised a question, what do non uniform schools do no non uniform days

Uniform makes my life so, so, so, so, so easy. No debates at all about what to wear. Ever. No decisions. It is a strict uniform with no variation even in (eg) the type of skirt or blouse. There is one uniform skirt, one shirt/blouse, one tie, one cardy (girls) or jumper (boys) and one blazer. Even the sports socks have to be the same. Shoes have to be plain black with no adornments of any description.

I am all for self-expression and so on, but not at 6.30am. At that time of day, I want the children to step out of their pyjamas and into their non-negotiable uniforms.

It's also handy that the children are instantly identifiable when out and about (which is a good way to keep mine in order - the fear of someone reporting them for kicking one another in public is enough to make them rein sibling rivalry in).

The downer is that this particular uniform is very expensive (probably about £600 to kit a new child out completely - though all ours are second hand, so closer to £100 for the full sets). That said, it does get worn and worn and worn, so cost-per-wear ratio is probably equal to DD's Zara t-shirts, say, which are cheap but only get worn a few times before they fall apart.