Uniform debate - please help with your ideas and experience

[BonsoirAnna]

There is currently a debate going on at my DD's school about the introduction of full uniform, as opposed to current dress/colour code.

Could you please help me draw up a document for the Parents Association by giving your views on the advantages and disadvantages of school uniform? Thank you

t42...I can so imgine that...my 12, nearly 13 year old trys to express himself by shoewear/hairstyle/accessories (wrist bands, etc...)....

I still can't see the saving money side...because for holidays you need normal clothes anyway, so, you have to have those...so, school uniforms are an extra expense in my house....and frequent washing wiht undersupply is a PITA....I buy the Kids one for each day of the schoolweek (well the little ones anyway) and es has lots of white shirts ( no more school jumers as he refuses to wear those) and and about 3 black trouser, usually only wearing 2...
but, really, as I need everyday clothes anyway, I rather just buy those...

oh, but I had to waah my Unform ratehr often...3 shifts a week, two tops( needed to have a fresh one each shift for my own comfort....) and 1 pair of trousers....so, that was 2 x a week,...utter nightmare, especially for the white tops...because I would have to wash a not full load...hate doing that, what a water waste...etc...

On balance I think I am pro uniform.
Ideally it would be all very nice for kids to wear whatever they want and thus "express their individuality" however, the reality I feel is very different.
There is enormous pressure to have the "in" trainers, coat, jeans etc etc! and I think state schools especially, strive to reduce this pressure by implementing a uniform.
Unfortunately kids can be very cruel nad pick up on anyone who doesn't conform and this conformity usually means having the right clothes.
At dd's secondary (state school) all dresswear is strictly monitored, even down to pe kit. At first I thought this was ott as had to fork out for loged pe kit, even tracksuit had to be logoed. Now however think it is a good idea as if dd could wear anytrack suit then I guess we would feel pressurised to buy her the "right one" inevitably branded and expensive.

As regards a good uniform I prefer a proper shirt and tie as polo shirts tend to look disheavelled.
Dark trousers/pinefore/skirt
Checked summer dress
and a woolen cardi/jumper
sensible black/navy school shoes.
Finally hair tied back to avoid the spread of nits!!

But, lunamoon2, think about those magical moments we would miss out on if children didn't effectively spread nits.....

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj7X8lfbnL0&feature=related

Oh yes Teafortwo, the boredom of not rushing around trying desperately to find a chemist open late Friday night which sells nit solution! Then being told "Well you will need several bottles inorder to treat all the family properly, at a cost of about £50!"!!!

Then the endless joy of "nit combing" late into the night, yes you are right leave long hair loose and let nits thrive

btw take the point about non uniform turning out less expensive as my kids never get the chance to wear their summer clothes once the holiday has ended.

WELL I HATE UNIFORMS WITH A SUPREME VENGEANCE and my only regret is that I cannot print this statement on mumsnet in font size 80 and spray paint it on the headmistress's cars across the nation and i know that I have now devalued my sensible earlier points with this post and have become a raving poster but I have had 2 glasses of wine and cannot hold it all back any longer

OMG that feels better

lol podrick ...don't hold back there