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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

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Original poster

New job..

19 replies

Ninabean17 · 26/10/2022 16:02

I guess I'm looking for reassurance and advice!

I've been in retail for nearly 20 years, and I've now accepted a TA job starting in the next few weeks.

They've taken a gamble on me, which I hugely appreciate as I have no prior experience but I'm keen to learn and I have a lot of patience.

The dress code is quite vague (no offensive slogans,suggestive clothing, good for pe etc).. I'll be in reception/year one. What to wear/not to wear?

I won't rock up in jeans and a t shirt but I'd want to be comfortable.

Any words of wisdom for a complete newbie?

Thanks for reading!

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RachelSq · 26/10/2022 16:52

As a parent, in our school the teachers outfits are now fairly casual.

I’d suggest wearing black/navy “workwear” trousers, but then just plain T-shirts and jumpers on top. You can then adapt your outfits gradually once you’re there.

Best of luck, I’m sure you’ll be great!

LondonGirl83 · 27/10/2022 00:19

Nothing wrong with jeans. I wouldn’t wear sweatpants but otherwise normal casual is fine as long as it’s not revealing. Mid-length dresses with trainers seem to be pretty common.

Littlecaf · 27/10/2022 09:15

Leggings and a shirt. Jumper and smartish trousers / smart dark jeans. Casual dress with thick tights. Smart/casual I think! Nothing expensive as it’ll get paint on it!

AntlerRose · 27/10/2022 09:27

Reception have to access an outdoor area and its likely year 1 will too, so make sure you have weather appropriate stuff and layers as the Ta often gets to be outside (although its still warm now) Leggins and jumper dresses, plain black trousers, tshirts and jumpers.

mdh2020 · 27/10/2022 09:27

DS is primary school teacher (was TA) and wears chinos, shirt and sweater. You need clothes that are comfortable and will wash.

Elsanore · 27/10/2022 09:33

I've worked in a lot of schools and some consider jeans inappropriate. I would avoid jeans and leggings in case viewed as too casual. If you notice lots of other staff wearing them, then obviously crack on!

For the first few days till you scope out what are the norms: Trousers that are comfortable and stretchy or loose enough to get up and down from sitting and crouching on the floor in dark colours, in fabrics that wash and dry easily and ideally don't need ironing are best!

Tops- something a bit smarter than a basic t shirt, no sporty t shirts, and a cardigan or jumper.

M2551 · 27/10/2022 09:35

We had TAs in tank tops and leggings.
I think it's important, out of respect for the school overall, to dress a bit smarter than that. Comfortable and practical but still a bit smart.

LondonGirl83 · 27/10/2022 11:38

Even the staff at Deloitte and bankers wear jeans to work. I’d be staggered by anyone taking offence at jeans for a TA but everywhere is different.

angstridden2 · 27/10/2022 11:39

Nothing that gapes...when you bend over to help children you don’t want them peering down your top (and they will!).same as no low rise trousers that show your underwear when you bend!

Original poster

Ninabean17 · 27/10/2022 13:25

Thank you all!

OP posts:

Cliff1975 · 27/10/2022 13:44

I have been a teacher for 20 years plus- don't wear jeans.

Theimpossiblegirl · 27/10/2022 13:48

Most schools have a staff dress code. Ours is no jeans, trainers, bare shoulders. Dresses/tunics and leggings, trousers and a top/blouse are standard.

Mummummummumyyyyy · 27/10/2022 13:59

LondonGirl83 · 27/10/2022 11:38

Even the staff at Deloitte and bankers wear jeans to work. I’d be staggered by anyone taking offence at jeans for a TA but everywhere is different.

Jeans would be frowned upon in our school. I’d say a dress with thick tights or dark work trousers and a smart top. Flats and a warm cardigan or coat in case outdoor learning is taking place!

EdithGrantham · 27/10/2022 14:06

Nothing you can see up, under or through. Best bet is to do a 90° bend, if you can't see your boobs or bum that's the first two covered. Check in sunlight that items of clothing aren't see-through.

In terms of style go smarter until you can see what others wear. My current school is quite formal and jeans are a definite no whereas my old school was more casual and jeans were worn by everyone but the head teacher.

TugboatAnnie · 27/10/2022 14:08

Black trousers, flat proper shoes, tunic or smartish top, cardigan to start with, then ask about the dress code or look around at others in your key stage. We have a strict dress code, no jeans, leggings, sleeveless tops, open sandals, crocs, trainers, mini skirts, etc the list is endless! Good luck with the job.

QueenOfWeeds · 27/10/2022 14:13

TugboatAnnie · 27/10/2022 14:08

Our dress code is similar to this. I would also suggest a change of clothes in case someone has an accident/is sick on you.

You’ll definitely want a proper coat for free flow provision and possibly break duties. I also have a hat and those mitten gloves where the top folds back and they become fingerless.

Good luck! I know you didn’t ask about this but I would also take your own travel cup (no hot drinks in open containers in any school I have heard of, other than in the staffroom) and maybe teabags/coffee until you know the process (free for all, kitty, everyone for themselves…).

pallidbat · 27/10/2022 14:19

I'm a year 1 TA. My school don't allow denim of any kind (so no denim dresses etc) but other than that and the obvious low cut/offensive logos etc pretty much anything goes. I tend to wear thick leggings and long tops or dresses, with boots in winter, sandals in summer and trainers on PE days (they are allowed all the time but I don't have smart enough ones for daily wear!) Sometimes more fitted trousers. Snag Chub Rub shorts are ideal for summer as they keep your modesty if your dress flies up!

Also you'll be crouching down/sitting on the floor a fair bit so be mindful of that with clothing choices!

I've found schools are prone to extremes of temperature at either end, so layers are a good idea.

Easy washing is good as you'll be getting covered in paint and glue etc in Reception, my previous job was in YR and I don't think a day went past when I didn't come home with something on my clothes! It's a bit better now in Y1, we don't have quite as much free crafting etc.

Best of luck OP, it's an amazing job. Crazy busy, no two days are the same and stressful as all hell, but brilliant!

Original poster

Ninabean17 · 28/10/2022 06:40

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. It's helped a lot.

There's nothing in the dress code about denim, but I don't think I'd ever wear jeans.

I've got my induction day next week so I'll dress smart for that and make a mental note of what everyone else is wearing.

Excited for the job, but nervous about being the 'new one' again.

OP posts:

Caraoke · 28/10/2022 07:26

I'm a TA, we're not allowed to wear jeans. Our HT asks us to wear clothes that provide an example of how you dress for work to the children.

H&M do 'cigarette trousers' and I have them in most colours. They're smart but a bit stretchy and highish waisted so perfect for all the crawling, crouching, bending, reaching required over a school day. I wear them most days with jumpers/shirt/flouncey blouse/t shirt and jacket on a rotation.

i also always wear a long vest under my top, another h&m number, so that I can pull it down at the back or up at the front as required.

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