Strange uniform move

[scotchbroth1]

I found the other week the secondary DD is likely to go to in a few years has radically changed their uniform plans. Firstly they are insisting on M&S items, which seems counter to requirements against single suppliers. They are also insisting on 'loose fitting' clothes including one style of skirt only www.marksandspencer.com/Traditional-Pleated-Adjustable-Permanent-Pleats/dp/B0012QHOMI?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_2&nodeId=57312031&sr=1-2&qid=1309260815&pf_rd_r=1SZ4J7X33VTGCZ33927X&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=57312031&pf_rd_p=215570647&pf_rd_s=related-items-3

and if the girls don't want that skirt they have to wear trousers. Now, I've no quarrel with insisting skirts are a decent length, but this seems a very childish style for a secondary school to be imposing.

Am I worrying unnecessarily.

[scotchbroth1]

You know, this thread makes me think what we should consider suitable for kids at secondary school. My comment that this was a childish design was not to do with modesty. I don't advocate teenage girls having such short skirts they just have to bend or sit down and are showing everything. It was the style of pleating I was referring to (they may as well insist on pinafores/ginghams, pelerines and T bars), when a more office type skirt may be better at this age. As for posh areas, again this shouldn't make a difference to modesty issues or basic tidyness (though M&S is more expensive for those on a tight budget), just that its easier for more upmarket schools to enforce these rules.

[cricketballs]

bossboggle but as parents you sign the home-school agreement when your DC starts at the school which includes uniform.

in my school, the girls do 'try it on' in terms of skirt length and after watching them after getting sropped off in the morning their parents have no idea how many rolls are done with the waistband but they are quickly told to put them right!

[bruffin]

My dc's changed to a similar skirt 2 years ago, although the pleats go in one direction rather than boxed. There is nothing childish about it and much better than their old A line with a single pleat in the middle. Our school is one of the only schools in the area that don't have a tartan kilt as a uniform.

[bigTillyMint]

Do you really think that skirt is "childish"? DD has been wearing that style all of Y7 (completely her choice - no rules about what style skirt) and loves it. She is not regarded as "childish" AFAIK. She hitches it up as high as possible and wears it with tights and kickers boots.

[RustyBear]

What will they do when M&S change their school wear range?

[bruffin]

"What will they do when M&S change their school wear range?"

Knowing m&s uniform department in recent years that is highly likely. 2 Years ago they stopped selling classic blazers and bought in bizarre fashion ones with luminous labours. Thankfully so many people complained they had to bring them back in again.
They don't even sell classic open neck blouses for girls any more. Even Next sell them but only in white unfortunately and I need blue.

[scotchbroth1]

Well yes I do think that style is so hence starting this thread, but clearly some disagree. I applaud them for cracking down on inappropriate, even immodest clothng but box pleats (big difference bruffin) I have always considered for primary school. Then again, I've seen Jordanhill and St Aloysius girls about.

[bruffin]

It's not that a big difference scotchbroth this is the style of dd's skirt

[Scholes34]

I don't see a problem with this and it's very helpful if everyone is wearing the same, rather than you feeling you have to traispe round town looking for something fasionable that fits within the rules of the school for uniform so your DC feels happier about what they're wearing. Let's hope the school sticks to its rules. Trousers aren't so bad, but girls and school skirts is a nightmare mix.

M&S is actually very reasonable on prices. I've just paid £9.60 for two pairs of boys' trousers (£12 with 20% off at the moment).

[going]

I think it's a good idea.

The comp local to me should enforce this kind of policy as the kids look really scruffy as many have interpreted the uniform.

[Kiggy]

Sorry to high jack this tread but I need these too:

"They don't even sell classic open neck blouses for girls any more. Even Next sell them but only in white unfortunately and I need blue."

Have you found a supplier bruffin?

[bruffin]

Yes BHS

[bruffin]

Here is the link I did buy some from the school uniform shop which were twice the price but the quality is not so good.

[bruffin]

try again

[Kiggy]

Thanks