No boots allowed

[PotteryLottery]

Just wondering why DD's primary school do not allow them to wear boots at school?

This means either walking to school with her complaining that her feet are cold, or changing when we get there (impossible when I realise I have left school shoes at home...)

There is probably an obvious reason for this rule but I can't think what it is!

I wonder how schools managed when all the children wore boots?

None of my DCs schools have ever allowed boots. I insist DD has fully enclosed shoes as she walks a fair distance in all weather. DS1 had boots for medical reasons as a young child, this was allowed and wasn't obvious for a boy, but would I accept stick out more for girls.
But then I am not allowed to wear boots at work either!

Climbing my point is that millions of women wear winter boots to work and don't have to change. I don't change my boots at playgroup. Teachers wear boots etc 40-50 percent of girls at our school wear trousers too. Kids should wear sensible appropriate shoes that are comfy - including boots if they want

I think carpet time is completely overrated. Many children find sitting on the carpet for extended periods awkward and uncomfortable, which affects their concentration. Much better to be sat in a seat. Can enjoy a story better if you are sitting comfortably. No need for marching in rows because the children are wearing boots either.

tiggy how do you make the 'no boots' rule inclusive for children who need to wear boots for medical reasons? How do you ensure they are not made to feel they cannot join in with the uniform policy?

I just think there is no need to be overly restrictive concerning boots. Lightweight ankle boots could easily be permitted. Children generally crawl about in outside playgrounds. In boots, if that's what they are wearing. How many more boot related injuries (compared to shoe related) have there actually been? Some schools have no problem with this. Why do others make such a fuss?

I don't understand why feet would get wet in shoes unless they are walking through snow. My dd's have always been fine in shoes.

It rained the other week and DCs feet and legs got soaked coming home from school. By the time they met me from work, they were drenched and freezing. If they had been wearing boots, their calves and feet would have stayed dry.

Tiggy I am thinking mainly about children who have to wear boots for medical reasons to support their joints. Most of these boots are also quite lightweight, much like ankle boots commonly sold. They do offer extra protection in bad weather also as the bit of extra depth prevents socks getting wet from surface ground water. However they are not much heavier than shoes. Win win. Allowing these kind of boots would be more inclusive and offer extra protection against the weather to anyone who wanted to wear them.

Trouble is that MN kids all have lovely warm waterproof boots.

The average primary age girl at DH old school wore crappy primark fuggs that were fabric, sloppy/ falling off and got soggy and cold in bad weather. They'd go days when the horrible boots didn't even dry out. Pleather pumps were an improvement on that.

My dd wear boots, if it is muddy/snowy they have to change into their plimsole in school. My ds school has indoor shoes (plimsoles) and outdoor shoes. This is a pain as he needs proper supportive shoes all day for his hypotonia/hypermobility which are also more of a hassle to change and his dyspraxia makes changing them more difficult. They also have to walk right through the unit and to the far side of their classroom to change by which time any mud will have fallen off!

That school managed to get most kids into semi appropriate footwear by permitting trainers- if you gave little money, sports direct can provide reasonably well fitting footwear cheaply. Trying to enforce smart shoes as a rule didn't work.

Ours is the same, no boots though I did send DD in them last winter (yr1) as I was cold in mine so could imagine what it would be like for her in the ridiculous school shoes girls wear here. I was asked by the teacher to bring her normal shoes in her book bag to change into. Apparently it is to help sit on the carpet and because the classrooms are very hot. Still think it is daft though.

My main aggro is not that boots aren't allowed, more that school shoes for girls are so stupid and unsuitable for our weather.

Is this the UK we're talking about?

Aside from probably Aberdeen, there are about 5 days a year when it is maybe too cold/wet for shoes. On those days most primary kids in our school wear wellies and then change into their shoes.

The fashion boots that girls wear are no more suited to wet/cold weather than the worst pair of shoes.

Parents know the uniform policy of the schools before they accept the place.

There is no rule against girls wearing boys shoes. Dd has been wearing boys shoes all winter and some of her friends have copied her. Dd school bans boots, but are unable to enforce the rule because too many parents ignore the rule.

My children wear trainers to school mostly (no uniform school). In the winter they wear snow boots and change at school because that's what the weather and the school require. However where we live we get months of snow, and the schools are set up with enough space to change.

Reallytired lot of girls at our school wear boys shoes too, or ankle boots like kickers. M&S. Some boys shoes are quite unisex as are unbranded school black trainers which are common. There are girls closed top shoes about if you look hard. We live in the rainy NW and as the vast majority walk to school it makes sense. Our school also had them in the outdoor classrooms in all weathers so sensible there too - plus wellies for really bad days. Our school is huge and j have never heard of a boot related injury. If kids find them too hot they can stop wearing them again? Maybe I just don't get the need for really stringent uniform in this way.

hands being stood on- assuming the soles for all kids schools are hard (which they should be, after pram shoes arent all kids shoes hard soled?) then it doesnt matter what shape the shoe is, what will make it hurt is the angle and the weight of the wearer who is stood on your fingers.

its hard to get fully enclosed girls shoes so boots should be allowed for that reason, we might jot get loads of snow and freezing temps but we get a hell of a lot of rain. wet feet all day is no fun for anyone.

No boots rule here as well. I think in Infant they said they dear the children will slip and fall. Hm, I can't count the times Dd came home with bruise, open knees and thorn tights,

DD wears her boots to school and then changes. I won't allow her to get wet or cold feet. I wear boots for walking to the station and to work to have warm feet.

The problem I see with allowing boots is that they may only allow smart black ones which are not the style to allow the feet to stay warm. DD has fur lined ones because we are out a lot. So I don't see the no boots rule as not a big problem as the style she has would be too warm anyway but an allowed style would be too cold outside.