uniform

[Kirsty2015]

Hi
I'm looking to see if anyone has any idea if there is any school that don't have a strict uniform policy in the north east, my youngest daughter who is nine has sensory issues to clothing and other thing and currently wearing oversized shorts and t shirt and crocs for primary school i understand this isn't going to be a possibility in secondary but currently cant get her help though NHS due to no OT availably and she is not entitle to a EHCP due to primary school meeting her needs in some aspects. every secondary school i have spoken to have just came back with she needs to grow up or just make her wear them this was a comment from a senco teacher at a secondary school near me

Are there fabrics that she’s comfortable with? A thin layer that she could wear under the uniform?

She’s entitled to reasonable adjustments, but it depends on how reasonable the schools deem the adjustments to be. I think crocs would be a problem, from a safety viewpoint.

If she’s nine, you still have some time to discuss with schools or to try other fabrics that she’s comfortable might tolerate.

She may well be entitled to an EHCP, of the school are not able to meet ALL her needs, you can apply for the assesment yourself if her school are not helpful. Regardless of if she has one or not she is still entitled to disability related 'reasonable adjustments'.

I'd probably take there reaction and willingness to work with you on it of an indication of how effectively they will be at supporting her needs in general, as I doubt it's the only adjustment that will be needed.

Having said that, some amount of meeting them half way may be needed. Eg. Crocks are unlikely to be allowed from a safty perspective in science etc, but you could probably make an argument for black, non-branded trainers being reasonable. Maybe offer to get sensory accepted cloths in the school colour and transfer school logo over etc.

There are lots of hacks you could try. Eg would she tolerate a skirt over her shorts? Could you get a shirt made to look ok like a school shirt but made of jersey material (like a tshirt). Shoes are harder but for many it’s the blnt end toes, super light weight, and easy on off that make crocs work. Either try other shoes or maybe get something made like a stretchy skin to go over the crocs.