Page 4 | Let's talk School Uniform - Matalan would love to know what you think - £300 to be won NOW CLOSED

BathshebaDarkstone · 26/03/2017 04:43

I let my DC choose their uniform. At least the items that don't have to be bought from the uniform shop.

My DD especially is proud of her uniform and would prefer to wear the skirt every day to show off her tie!

I have no problem with my DC's confidence in going back to school, DD needs her brain stimulated and DS2 misses his friends.

teddygirlonce · 26/03/2017 08:10

I like a uniform that is functional but looks smart. Grey is not the most flattering of colours but it does have to be said that it is probably the most practical for uniform purposes (doesn't show the dirt!).

It's important to have 'slim' fit clothes (and those with adjustable waists). Whilst there are many children who are overweight there are lots of super-slim ones too. DD is tall for her age but we struggle to find clothes that don't look 'baggy' on her (even with adjustable waists), trousers especially so.

Oh and buying school shoes is a nightmare. DD has very slim feet too (as did I at the same age) and still the selection is as poor as it was when I was a tween. Even in good old John Lewis children's shoe department we are regularly offered a choice of just two pairs (across many premium brands) and one of those is the very same oldfashioned traditional style I wore all those years ago.

Not sure if the uniform helps the children feel confident but it does given them a group identity and a sense of belonging. And as someone mentioned upthread, much more straightforward having them all dressed alike than having peers bullying children for not wearing the right branded goods (current bugbear with DD's year group) - just toxic IMHO.

DCs started dressing themselves at 5/6.

Been doing the school run now for more years than I care to think about...Always get dressed in proper clothes (can't abide the sloppy turning up in PJs/loungewear look) and put lipstick on. Work from home, so not overly smart corporate dress for me (but dressed up enough to go shopping somewhere 'naice' without feeling scruffy).

DrDiva · 26/03/2017 09:01

DS is very proud of his uniform. Lovely. White shirt? Not so lovely... putting a white shirt in a reception child is just asking for hours of laundry and despair. The blue and dark grey bits work well, at least!

He dresses himself completely at 4.5.

InvisibleKittenAttack · 26/03/2017 09:46

I like uniforms- it's no fuss no argument dressing for children each morning. Having bought M&S & John Lewis uniform previously and then supermarket uniforms, if you iron them it is very hard to tell the difference in what's been spent. It is a leveller.

I tend to go cheap as possible now for that very reason. (Feels a waste to spend more than I need to when the result is the same).

Re what I wear on the school run, the school run is the first thing I do in the morning, then get on with my day, so I normally dress for the day I have, I don't quite understand the "throw something random on then get dressed nicely later" approach, but perhaps that's because I worked for a long time after having DC1 so got in the habit of having to be office ready and having DC1 ready before 7:30, so being up and ready for the day at 8:30 with 2DCs dressed doesn't seem much faff.

danigrace · 26/03/2017 10:11

A clean, crisp, smart looking uniform is definitely a confidence boost so it's important the clothes are hard wearing and stay looking great as long as possible. It's also really important that they are comfortable and kind on the skin and not packed with chemicals.

Being in a routine of laying out all their clothes the night before and getting changed when they get home definitely helps the school run, gives them responsibility but saves on time.

Debi79 · 26/03/2017 10:33

My thoughts about school uniform from where I live in Pembroke Wales. I cannot stand the fact that the second airy school here I cannot stand the fact that the second airy school here have a jumper and T-shirt policy that every year has a different colour jumper and three button T-shirt this is very difficult to hand down to any siblings as they will be different colours. I'm also very annoyed at the fact we have two shops where we can purchase the T-shirts and jumpers there is no competition and unfortunately the quality of the T-shirt is Poor,the jumper is even worse it is out of shape after the first wash and the colour continues to fight the matter what you do you cannot on the drive as they shrink. The nearest store to me is understocked and the staff are rude and mostly get size completely wrong. If we had a simple plain shirt and not colour coded collars I would not begrudge paying so much. And the Competitive trade would make the shop have to try with the customers,

jollygoose · 26/03/2017 10:57

love uniforms but wish they could be more casual and comfortable such as sweatshirt style jumpers and elasticated waist stay press trousers.

ProfAnnieT · 26/03/2017 12:12

I do understand that school uniform needs to be affordable, but I would prefer it if there was some indication/stamp that the school uniforms were made under ethical conditions, paying a fair local wage etc.

Re wear on the school run, it's a tight schedule and I honestly don't notice what other people are wearing.

Do you think a school uniform helps your child feel confident during the school year? How?

How do you encourage your children to go back to school after school holidays with confidence? What concerns do you have - if any - about sending your children to school for the first time/back to school after the holidays?
What tips do you have for helping your child get the most out of school all year round?

At what age do your children start getting dressed themselves for school: what tips can you share for encouraging this?

And for those who do a school run - how

Jayfee · 26/03/2017 12:30

comfort and washability are my two main wants in school uniform

NettleTea · 26/03/2017 13:10

I wish they would keep the adjustable waists for older kids
Thats my only uniform gripe.
Uniform has been simple and easy up until now, but wont be next year as my DS starts a secondary with a very specific policy, olong with blazers and logo'ed everything

charlestrenet · 26/03/2017 15:13

I think uniform is a waste of money and time. Most other countries don't have it and manage perfectly well without it. All it means is buying two lots of clothes and shoes instead of one. Crazy.

Flapdoodles · 26/03/2017 17:22

Your general thoughts on school uniform items - what do you want to see in a uniform? What's important to you when picking school uniform for your children? What features do you look for? What styles do your children like/ hate?
Good value for money - not necessarily the cheapest but as mine wear polo shirts, I want them to stay white and keep in shape. My daughter is now 8 and has decided she is too "grown up" for the pinafore dresses. She also prefers the zip up Summer dresses as apparently buttons take too long to fasten after PE.

Do you think a school uniform helps your child feel confident during the school year? How?
Having gone from a non uniform school to uniform in the last 3 years, I think uniform gives them a sense of belonging and unity.

How do you encourage your children to go back to school after school holidays with confidence? What concerns do you have - if any - about sending your children to school for the first time/back to school after the holidays?
No problems going back to school - they love the holidays but usually by the end of the 6 weeks holidays, they are looking forward to seeing friends again.

What tips do you have for helping your child get the most out of school all year round?
I'm very luck that both my children like school - they won't admit it to friends - but both want to do well and will discuss if they are struggling with something so I can help. As a parent I think being involved in the school helps give you an understanding of what is going on in school and the children enjoy my being involved.

At what age do your children start getting dressed themselves for school: what tips can you share for encouraging this?
My son has dressed himself from very young, approx 3.5 and continues to do so. My daughter was probably 6 and even now, when there is frost on the ground, will appear in a Summer dress and ankle socks and have to be told to change!

And for those who do a school run - how much - if at all, do you care or think about what you wear to drop off or pick up from school?
I usually try to look presentable but am definitely dressed for the day as opposed to dressed for the school run.

needalittleL · 26/03/2017 20:57

I feel a bit sad having to see all the children in the same black/white/gray clothes as each other. So I'd like it if you could make the uniform some how exciting, and potentially individual.

It has to be super easy for them to get in and out of, easy to iron and as least restrictive as possible.

NauticalDisaster · 26/03/2017 22:44

The thing I dislike about the budget uniforms is that the trousers are generally quite thin and not warm enough in the winter months.

Though I found the Matalan range better than Asda or Sainsbury's, both in quality and style, I prefer to pay a bit extra and get Next uniform trousers as they are warmer for the winter months and last well enough that my younger son can wear them the year after my eldest.

mrsw14 · 26/03/2017 23:11

Love uniforms, especially non iron. Extra details that are worth paying that bit extra for - elastic in the cuffs so no messing about undoing buttons and a hidden Velcro top button 👍🏼 both made it so much easier for my little one to quickly dress herself in the morning and after PE

DandelionAndBedrock · 26/03/2017 23:15

As someone who works in a school, please have a massive space to write the name on (not the tiny tag that only takes half an initial). And maybe an offer in the run up to the start of each term - buy x number of items and get a free permanent marker to label clothes.

I don't know if they are matalan or not, but some children have pinafores with an inside button on a piece of elastic that they can barely see, let alone stretch to fasten. They are super fiddly.

MrsOllyMurs · 26/03/2017 23:19

Comfort is my main priority- my kids have some sensory issues and will refuse to wear uncomfortable, scratchy clothes. I need socks and tights that look ok inside out, as they can't stand the seams on their toes.

Greenifer · 27/03/2017 00:17

Your general thoughts on school uniform items - what do you want to see in a uniform? What's important to you when picking school uniform for your children? What features do you look for? What styles do your children like/ hate?

Lots more adjustable waists and slimmer fit items. Most school uniforms seem to be aimed at the short and wide end of the market. DD is average height and slim but finding trousers that will stay up is a real pain in the arse.

Do you think a school uniform helps your child feel confident during the school year? How?

No. School uniform just brings needless stress for parents and children. My child was far less worried about what she was wearing when her school was non uniform. This was also my experience at an older age when I switched from uniform to non uniform.

How do you encourage your children to go back to school after school holidays with confidence? What concerns do you have - if any - about sending your children to school for the first time/back to school after the holidays?

Erm, none really. My child likes school mostly.

What tips do you have for helping your child get the most out of school all year round?

None. Having no uniform was way easier as there were a lot more combinations of clothes so appropriate warmth and comfort was easier to achieve.

At what age do your children start getting dressed themselves for school: what tips can you share for encouraging this?

My child started getting herself dressed around 4 or 5. It wasn't particularly a battle.

And for those who do a school run - how much - if at all, do you care or think about what you wear to drop off or pick up from school?

Not at all.

MummyKoba · 27/03/2017 00:25

I like school uniforms as it makes choosing what to wear quicker and easier. It also stops bullying who has got the 'best' or 'branded' clothing most of the time.

Things I would look for in a uniform is that it is easy to wash and dry, and crease resistant. Who wants to spend time ironing all the time!? Especially with the amount you have to wash kids clothes.

To get a child feel good and confident about going back to school I believe you should make sure they are clean and comfortable, with nice new school items that they have helped choose. (Such as a backpack, pencil case, or pen.)
Getting the most out of school all year round is important and I would talk to my child after school and get her to explain what she's learning about, to me. It often helps to reinforce knowledge by repeating it to somebody else.

One of my step children is autistic and at 7 years old he is slow at getting dressed in the morning. Less buttons is always a plus!
My 5 year old gets dressed by herself - she has just learnt how to make a jumper go from inside out, to the right way round!

For the school run, I do feel I have to make a little bit of an effort. But comfy jeans and a nice t-shirt would do. Along with a cardigan. I would never judge anyone else though! I'm usually too nervous about what others are thinking about me to worry about what they are wearing.

kateandme · 27/03/2017 01:52

Your general thoughts on school uniform items - what do you want to see in a uniform?nice trousers for girls.pocket with zip.a unified look across the board.so many different shops take a different (try to be unique)take on items but this just gets into feeling left out or some not good enough if they are the best labels. make it so all uniforms need to look the same.
What's important to you when picking school uniform for your children?wear and tear What features do you look for? What styles do your children like/ hate?comfort.soften.horrible seams that stick in them in every position are awaful.these kids sit on the floor crossed legs a lot lets remember! nice black and nice grey.thick and thin ranges.girls shoes that aren't always pretty girlie esque style.
white polos same for girls and boy.white shirts same for girls and boys.girls don't need fitted lady looking ones at this age.
Do you think a school uniform helps your child feel confident during the school year? How?yes,helps them feel all important.all smart and united.like school is for kids a new job for us adults something special and like they have reached a target and big thing in lifes journey.
not so left out if they don't have the write normal clothes.

How do you encourage your children to go back to school after school holidays with confidence?nice new things like books and pencils.new bag.special new coat etc.are they ready.do thigns need to be done before hand.sport worries.get them together with friends before hand so its not big ga after some are apart for holidays.
walking route.
new lunchbox or picking menu.
What concerns do you have - if any - about sending your children to school for the first time/back to school after the holidays?older,more body issues.food issue.the rediculousnees of the food police is shocking.looking good in uniform especially as some aren't made the same.
What tips do you have for helping your child get the most out of school all year round? keep interested.always ask and see if there are days out,things you can do on themes they are doing at school.make the writing work come to life with creative ways of looking at it.going to the zoo when they leanr animals.museums.getting funny books on tudor character etc.always ask about the day and seem interested like its the greatest subject ever!!

At what age do your children start getting dressed themselves for school: what tips can you share for encouraging this?they loved started to lay out their uniform at juniors.but often younger they will just gradually do it themselves like with any other clothes.

And for those who do a school run - how much - if at all, do you care or think about what you wear to drop off or pick up from school?non.though I do because other mums make me feel like rubbish.

MakeTeaNotWar · 27/03/2017 08:32

General thoughts on school uniform items - what do you want to see in a uniform? What's important to you when picking school uniform for your children? What features do you look for? What styles do your children like/ hate?

Very happy that the DC wear a uniform so there's no battles in the morning about what to wear. DS would pick inappropriate clothes otherwise eg fancy dress or swimming trunks! School uniform should be easy to wash and tumble dry, not too fiddly for them to put on, pockets are preferable.

Do you think a school uniform helps your child feel confident during the school year? How?

The DC are young - 6 & 4 - so it helps them feel part of the school community, gives them a sense of identity and a feeling of belonging.

How do you encourage your children to go back to school after school holidays with confidence? What concerns do you have - if any - about sending your children to school for the first time/back to school after the holidays?

No concerns - fortunately they both really love school and get excited to see their friends and favourite teachers again!

What tips do you have for helping your child get the most out of school all year round?

They really like joining in so DD for example enjoys being in the the choir and all her little concerts throughout the year.

At what age do your children start getting dressed themselves for school: what tips can you share for encouraging this?

Around 5/6 - it was more threats than encouragement!!

And for those who do a school run - how much - if at all, do you care or think about what you wear to drop off or pick up from school?

Never give it a second thought

Polyanthus · 27/03/2017 09:14

Definitely in favour of uniform, for the same reasons as all pps. Takes away stress of deciding what to wear and a great leveller.

Quality is really important thought. I will give matalan a try but I do buy most of the uniform from the school shop, even when it is items that you can buy anywhere. My children spend most of their time in uniform during term time, so I think the clothes should be as least as good quality as their out of school clothes. If you think about cost per wear, it's ridiculous that you can buy a pair of trousers for a couple of quid.

TheDuchessOfKidderminster · 27/03/2017 09:23

I have a very slim child who is one of the youngest in his year and I've found it really difficult to find uniform that is small enough for him (he's only in reception). Even if I find things like trousers in the right length, they're often really baggy round the bum and look silly. So my number one request is for better availability of slim fitting uniform items. I've also found that items labelled as age 4 are enormous in comparison with non uniform clothing.

voyager50 · 27/03/2017 09:54

I like hard wearing, easy to wash uniforms with colours that don't fade and look awful.

Big pockets are good but pockets with zips are even better so you can safely put their lunch money in without it falling out!

Polo shirts are much better than normal shirts as you can get away without ironing them!

AnnaMoon · 27/03/2017 10:53

I like uniforms, because they avoid discussions about clothes and peer pressure, but I never, ever want to iron them.
I was the uniform items (blouses, skirts, pinafores, ...), put them in the dryer, and that's the way the girls put them on.
I only buy one set and 2 extra blouses, and the girls have to wear this uniform until it falls apart.
My concerns:

We need to use safety pins to hold the skirts up: 6ft girl, size 8
I do not like the fact that girls need to wear skirts, I would like more equality. Trousers please!
That does not mean UNISEX clothing, body shapes are different!
No belts please, they get lost
Uniforms with buttons for primary school kids leads to frustration when they have to change into PE uniforms at school (and back!)
As easy as possible: zips, velcro, ...
It would be nice to have a pocket in the skirts or pinafores (or trousers) for a handkerchief
coats are too dark, and asking the kids to put on reflectors when they leave school in the winter is almost a lost cause (peer pressure).

This is a dangerous situation, and discussions with the school's management lead nowhere. Most kids come by car, and they close their ears for safety concerns. It would be really helpful if uniform providers could help raise awareness and solidarity around this issue. A coat with reflectors stylishly worked into the design would make it stand out and raise the profile of the school as a caring school. I also do not like the emphasis on school labels: in our school, the uniform has to be bought in the school. This means that when the kids leave school or transfer, we are stuck with uniforms that cannot be worn anymore, including sports uniforms, coats, sweaters, .... That is one of the reasons why I only buy one item of each, and have the girls wear it until it is much too short/small or literally bobbles itself to pieces. I mend tears in the clothes as well.

Th other questions:
I do not think about what I will wear for the school run, I do not put make-up on if I do not have to go out for work and can work from home.

From the age of 7, my girls did not need any assistance with dressing anymore, except for the buttons, and shoe laces.

A thought:
Having been in Europe, where school uniforms are non-existent, I have mixed feelings about uniforms. In Germany, for instance, school dress codes are adhered to and actively enforced by the staff - in the UK even with a uniform, I see more problems with the dress code. I wonder whether the uniforms stay in place here because the school management team feels they can otherwise not enforce an acceptable dress code.
Why not have a "mixed" option:
colours and style fixed, but "mix and match" allowed.