Uniform stuff with School logos?

[4goingon14]

My DD is starting reception this year...only had a meet the teacher thing so far...don't start full time till October. I have bought uniforms for her (grey pinafore with white shirt and black shoes). However at the meet the teacher thingy the Head said that the cardigan with school logo, sports kits and book bag were compulsory from the uniform shop as the Governors have deemed them so. Also that she can only wear a black or grey coat to school?! Why on earth does the coat which is not worn inside make a heap of difference.

My DD will not wear a cardigan...she hates them, thinks they are uncomfortable and itchy...I have an extremely hard time to get her to wear long leaves on shirts even when it is cold out.

Why on earth does she have to have something that she will never ever wear? What will happen if I don't buy it. Ok sports kit....I may have to get. But book bag and cardigan?

Book bag is an absolute must and should be taken to school on a daily basis.

Sports kit is necessary, but usually not logo-ed except maybe the T-shirt.

School cardigans are rarely scratchy IME, I would get her one. It is very likely that she will wear it when she sees that all other kids wear one.

Alternatively you can buy a school jumper (no buttons to do up). It can get chilly in classrooms, and obviously they are not allowed to wear coats inside.

Also, she has to learn that when she is told to do something she actually does it. In reception a lot of the learning takes place outside, so at times the school will provide rain clothes etc and they will have to put them on, same for painting aprons (also have long sleeves). I am afraid you will have to instill in your DD that she will need to do as told and get over her issue with long sleeves.

dikkertjedap I am sorry but I whole-heartedly disagree with you and I don't like your tone.

I certainly wouldn't wear one of those horrid cardigans and I will not force one unto my child. Good for you if you don't think they are you are entitled to your opinion and I mine, the cardigans certainly are not cashmere!

The school does not have jumpers only cardigans. I think my DD will do fine with a shirt with long sleeves under her dress and we shall forgo any cardigan. As I said I doubt highly my DD will get chilly in the classroom, it's not happened at nursery or pre-school before so don't make assumptions.

Children can carry their books in many different types of bags it does not need to be a logoed school bag. Gosh how do the billions of children in other countries manage where they do not prescribe to this ridiculous practice?

Children do need to follow rules to an extent but they are all individuals and I will never prescribe to the fact that children should respect adults end of. Adults need to respect children as well and what suits each individual child. This builds mutual respect amongst people. I have yet to see a dictatorship work!

I worry about my DD doing the important things, being caring, polite, helping others, paying attention, etc. These are the things that make a child grow up into a well rounded individual not some out dated idea of assimilation via conformity by wearing something.

"Children can carry their books in many different types of bags it does not need to be a logoed school bag. "

Any other bag is fine as long as it is the same shape and size as the school one - they are usually all collected together in a standard-sized box or put into standard-sized trays so that books can be changed efficiently etc, and having a single bag which is too big or too fat to fit in is a pain, both in terms of classroom storage and in terms of allowing children to be independent (if all the others can get their bags from their trays, but your child's has to be retreived from the peg behind the teacher's chair because it doesn't fit into the tray, for example). Also, obviously, your child has to be able to open and close it with no assistance, and carry it with no assistance, and put it on and take it off with no assistance (backpacks are tricky for this in reception).

Painting aprons etc do tend to come with long sleeves. If your daughter won't wear one, then you will have to be completely happy that you will clean your daughter's other clothing willingly and not complain to the school at all if it gets covered with paint!

I'd just leave the cardigan for the moment. Do the boys have a jumper? Is it better? If so, then it should be absolutely fine for a girl to wear a jumper, regardless of what the 'official' line is. Or get a plain cotton jumper / sweatshirt in the right colour if you absolutely have to.

The coat thing is the one I would object to - never come across a school with a uniform coat other than a private one, and think that's way OTT.

We have a school fucking coat (which the head has just changed because there was a logo on the outside ), logo'd PE kit, house t shirt and a specific school dress, none of your Tesco/Sainsbury stuff. Bog standard state primary.

I've had to spend about £300 on uniform. Hey Jo, knew wag I was getting into I guess.

Hey ho, knew what I was getting into. I am not Jimi Hendrix :o

John Lewis have burgundy football shorts and ordinary sports shirts in maroon (which might be near enough).

I hate book bags eulogy a passion, as the Velcro is never up to the job, you can't fit sports kit, lunch bags etc in them, and if you have more than one DC trying to keep track of 3 bags each on the bus is a nightmare (and I should imagine impossible if you bicycle) and Not Much Fun walking either.

It comes down to the price of the item in my mind.

DD's school has a logo'd coat - a very nice Regatta one that is reversible, waterproof one-side and fleece the other. I asked if it was essential and they said that a plain navy coat was but didn't have to be the school one. At £17 I doubt that I would be able to find as nice a coat anywhere else.

Instead of writing her name on the special label I sewed a name tape over the top so that when she grows out of it I can sell-it on second-hand.

The logo'd jumpers and cardigans were also no more expensive than Asda or Sainsbury's and as DD won't wear cardigans or jumpers even when it's cold some-one will be getting a great bargain in the next year or so.

I believe that logo'd items can't be enforced by law.

In regard to the idea that 'children need to learn to do as they're told' by wearing a school uniform...it's just not going to work with some children and it's not fair on others.

My dd is incredibly sensitive to the feel of things - she can't stand seams, anything tight, many fabrics make her itchy, gets very hot, even the end of short sleeves sitting on her arms annoys her. I don't think it's educational for her to have to learn that she must wear something uncomfortable (thick school jumper) just because she's been told to.

She can't help being like this, she just is. She wears non-logoed school uniform, as there is absolutely no way I'm starting the day by hassling her to wear something uncomfortable (the school polo shirts are over 50% polyester, so not soft) whist she screams.

in regard to things that she does have some control over ie her behaviour, doing work, doing home work etc, she has to do as she's instructed unless there's a very good reason eg illness.

Gosh how do the billions of children in other countries manage where they do not prescribe to this ridiculous practice?

Well in Denmark they manage by going to the local book shop supermarket or other shops who are in on this to buy the current fad school bag. You know Moshie Monsters/ Club Penguin / pretty flowers and as they get older they go for logoed school bags. I believe from what my friend in Sweden tells me that is how it works there too. My niece (In Denmark) used to have terrible issues over what clothes to wear and needed just the right logo to wear (plus at age 14 was wishing Chanel eyeshadow to have in her bag so her friends could see it)

Frankly I think your utterly getting worked up over nothing. Likely due to my saying this you will not like my tone either.

I agree with dikkertjedap buy her a single cardigan so she has it, get the school bag and if you feel that strongly then go with an approximate PE kit. But it is hardly a huge amount to have to get.

It is not about what "you" would wear it is about what is expected at school. If you start out by telling your child she can be different to everyone else. How will you deal with it when she is not willing to do something the teacher wishes her to do that you don't see the point in either? Part of going to school is to learn to conform a bit. Good practice to learn when to pick your battles. As for learning to be individual. My kids are all strong individuals and their schools have worked with this. When it has got in the way of teaching we have worked together to get this resolved. Your child will need to learn that we can't always be individual sometimes we have to do as we are told because the teacher said so. At home your more able to work on the individualism. It is perfectly possible to have rules without they = a dictatorship.

Yes you are planning on moving, but right now you haven't yet, and your due to start your child in this school. So back the school up a bit and pick what battles are worth getting worked up over. In the great scheme of things "cardigan with school logo, sports kits and book bag " are not worth spending this much effort over. In the school my son started you would have needed to add. Socks, blazer, coat and 2 different sorts of PE kit all logoed to this" The one he currently attends they ask for sweatshirts, tie, bag and PE shirt and PE Bag that is it. Trust me this is not worth getting this worked up over, If money is a issue then contact the school and explain see what they come up with.

But honestly let this one go and start out by supporting the school you will need them on your side for much bigger things.

You may be doing your dd a disservice.When she sees all the others in uniform cardis etc and when some naughty child teases her because she doesnt have one then she will want one.
The reception year is bad enough without creating unnecessary conflict for your little girl.

Our reception girls often have plain cardigans as the logo'd ones are huge and look stupid.

Book bags are stupid things, you need separate lunch bags and PE bags and the children just lose things. By Y1 everyone ends up with nice sensible back packs.

Now, I just have to convince DD2 the same applies to senior school.

Actually Frikadellen I know perfectly well how children in other countries manage. I am an expat and have lived in many countries around the world (this one being the only one that prescribes to these over the top uniform rules). I have many relatives and friends in countries around the world and not wearing uniforms does not have anything to do with behavior.

No I did not wear a uniform in my school years, nor did anyone in my family. None of my friends children wear uniforms and they are doing very well thank-you very much.

My dd has been stuck in a school that I do not like, for a multitude of reasons. This is just another bit of nonsense that I am not willing to bend for. So let the headteacher give me grief because my DD is not wearing a piece of clothing with a logo promoting something that I do not believe in. I am following the 'rules' as in I have gotten the correct colours of uniform pieces that are required for my child.

This sort of thing may not bother you however the schooling situation has driven us ever closer to a move overseas again. I have realised that this sort of environment does not suit us and the more I think about it the more I don't want my dd educated in this sort of environment.

Book bags are important because the teacher or TA will need to access them to change the book/ write in the reading record book and best practise is for the child to do that themselves.
Nothing worse than having to rummage around amongst yogurts and plimsolls to access the book and reading record. Yogurt covered books are never good either.

I think you were a bit harsh on dikkertjedap.

A bag for books is necessary and will probably need to fit into a small drawer - so it needs to be no more than A4 size and fairly slim. I've tried shopping round for alternatives and have really struggled to find similar for less money than the standard school bags (although Bookstart did a free one a couple of years ago which was handy).

Most reception children are encouraged to play outside as much as they like - whatever the weather. In fact it's something Ofsted will be expecting the school to provde. Your DD will need some sort of wet weather gear. Asda were doing a black pacamac earlier this year for a couple of pounds.

My DCs school cardigans are made from a fleece-type material - so very soft on the inside. Might be worth seeing if you can find something similar. Cardi plus pacamac sounds like it might work for your DD in all but the most freezing weather.

God, what a fuss. Don't buy the blasted cardigan if she won't wear it. She'll need a PE kit, again don't get her a coat if it's such a big deal. And why get your knickers in a knot about a £4 book bag. It's the most sensible, practical option for schools. You won't get much cheaper either unless you give her a carrier bag.

Your pissed-offness with the school in general is going to put her off the place before she's started, never mind worrying about the uniform. Just stop whinging and get the hell on with it for as long as you have to do it. This whole thread is so self indulgent it's ridiculous. You're making huge issues where there are none.

I'm sure you don't like my tone either. Yes, I have a child in reception, yes I bought all the uniform and no she doesn't have any issues. But my little nephew in the same class has a medical condition which affects his extremely sensitive skin etc and he copes. He has to. And he doesn't make a fuss either. Get a grip fgs.

OP, hi again, we have an option to buy the school book bag with the logo, but I hate it, and bought a different one which is bigger, has a strap to wear over their shoulder, and is a nicer colour.

Having tried sending ds1 to school with a rucksack last year, I found that his homework and letters were all getting holes in them and very crumpled up, it was useless - so this year he has a bookbag-shaped bag, which is 'fashionable' (like a laptop bag, pictures of boy stuff on it, skulls I think - eek) and will hopefully preserve his paperwork a bit more efficiently.

Honestly, bookbags are really your best option at this stage.

Everything else, pah, you'll be leaving soon by the sound of it so I wouldn't bother getting the posh stuff unless as I said you buy the minimum and sell it on when you go.

We didn't know what we were getting into, sadly - HT changed the uniform from generic, cheapo stuff you could buy anywhere to a posh logo and very restricted colours for everything else...even socks have to be a certain colour.

It drives me insane as we like the school (apart from her) and it's too late to move ds away from his friends, so we had to suck it up.

Gawd help you if they go to a Secondary with strict uniform policy - ours even states the number of stripes that have to show on their tie...... 4 infringements mean detention. Get them used to it at primary/infant stage it really isn't worth the fuss...

not wearing uniforms does not have anything to do with behavior.

If you read my post it doesn't comment upon behavior and wearing uniforms it comments on peer pressure when not using it. The school bags my niece uses and my DD used when she went to school there for 5 months cost WAY more than the book bags over here do.

I grew up in Denmark and I never wore a uniform. I am not in favour of them. I do however strongly believe in my kids education and in supporting the school and expecting them in return to support me and my kids. You speak of respect from each angle well show some to the school YOUR child is meant to start in. This is THEIR rules not their dictator ship like you wish to view it.

It comes across clearly your dissatisfied with the school. Thats your issue what your doing here is wanting to be told your entitled to be. I dont think you are. If you want a specific school I am sorry but you have to pay for it. Or you have to deal with the cards you have been given and make the best of it.

Alternatively yes you can go in ablazing ensuring your child will be the one whose parent the the teachers roll their eyes at each other over when ever your mentioned. Every school has to have one.

Like I said
pick your battles this really isnt one to get this worked up over.

Skolen ensartet er frygtelig

Apparently while state primaries cannot enforce uniform 'in' school, they can enforce it on outside trips for 'health and safety' reasons. So basically easier just to get the stuff and make your and your child's life easier.

If it's a question of cost then speak to the school or have a look and see if you can pick it up second-hand.

If you check the DFE website (if it's still called that) it says that schools can enforce uniform by excluding children who persistently don't wear it.

I checked this with the advisory centre for education and they sadly confirmed it's true.

If it wasn't, mine would not be wearing uniform.

At my son's current school the only time they get really, really sniffy about logo'd garments is when they are taking the kids on trips out. So DS owns just one logo'd polo, and the rest of the time wears plain ones from the supermarket I home dyed to the school colour.

I actually totally agree with this policy, and am more than happy to comply, as it's about safety not snootiness for the sheer sake of it. The class trip this term is to Central London. Anything that helps stop my child being lost in Soho/Covent Garden & helps identify his school quickly and get him back to the group in the event he gets split from it, can only be considered a good thing imho. My personal view is that the younger the child is, the more important this rule becomes, despite the cost.

You do have my sympathy to a certain extent - I spent a fortune on uniforms in KS1, as DS through circumstances beyond our control went through 3 school placements by the time he was 6, and each school mandated a totally different uniform (oh the joys of special needs!). At the worst school he lost 9 jumpers in 3 terms at £12 a pop - I was not amused, especially as I knew the school would not be retaining him as a pupil for the long haul.

If you don't like the UK Ed system you do have the option of home ed or private.

'If you don't like the UK Ed system you do have the option of home ed or private. '

Not everyone has those options, by any means.

It is just not that simple.

And I'm glad your school is not too fussy - but in our case, they are, extremely - to the point of making kids change out of stuff that isn't in their opinion quite the right colour.

and it is all about impressing visitors to the school. They told us that when they changed it. Nothing to do with safety or practicality.

high schools can exclude children for not wearing uniform, primary schools cant!

i would get her a plain.jumper in the right colours, ditto pe kit and a dark.coloured coat is easy enough to pick up in h&m relatively cheaply.

the dfe guidlinrs state uniform should be comparable in price to high street/supermarkets and not restricted to one supplier.

you can get a plaim bookbag which is what i did, then she can.use it at her next school, they last and she will need one for the first few years of primary school.

I wish someone could clarify this for us all. I did a LOT of ringing around about a year ago and was told without exception by all the relevant people that yes, primary schools can exclude children for non compliance with uniform.

Ours completely ignored the dFE guidelines when they changed it. Even the governors dismissed that part of the official complaint. Had not got the strength to take it further.