What to wear as a teaching assistant

[Rainbowmum32]

I’m a TA in primary, my work wardrobe needs updating any suggestions?
we aren’t allowed to wear trainers

The poster you quoted didn't mention leggings she said comfortable trousers. You need to be able to get down on the floor, move equipment about, reach up doing displays, bend over tables, sit in little chairs, supervise messy activities, do PE etc. etc. Comfortable and freedom of movement is key. In Early Years in particular you need to be able to cope with frequent changes of temperature.

I understand you don't like it as a look. It's something I used casually or at festivals/on holiday so I like it as a look but in my opinion it's a bit too casual for work. Especially if the children are in school uniform.

I used to wear smart comfortable trousers with either blouses or smart jumpers/cardigans.

I don’t agree that black trousers are the way to go. Children often don’t like black or dull colours and respond more positively to colourful clothing.

I was a teacher and always tried to wear clothing that was both appealing and appropriate: dresses, full skirts, interesting tops, different colours, textures and patterns…

Children (both boys and girls) often commented positively on what I was wearing, especially liking silky textures, harmonious or contrasting colour combinations and something with a bit of detail or embellishment. They also like jewellery, although that needs to be appropriate from a health and safety point of view.

I also kept an apron, sports kit and wellies in school!

I love my children’s primary school as on the ‘Welcome to Reception’ evening, they told us this was the last time we’d see them in dresses and heels as in order to work well with the children they would be wearing more practical clothing. I fully support this.

I’m a secondary teacher and the physical demands of my job are totally different to primary school. I dress fairly smart for work but this reflects the dress code of the children too. It would cause an outrage if I was in leggings and trainers and they were in shirts and blazers!

I'd go for trousers like these from M&S

Elasticated waist, carrot shape, ankle grazing: means they are comfortable for running around, sitting on the floor etc. Not revealing like leggings or a trip hazard like wide leg trousers. Come in a variety of colours.

Wear with t-shirt/shirt/cardi/jumpers. Boots, loafers or sandals depending on weather.

In warmer weather a mid calf dress with cycle shorts underneath and sandals. Or in cold weather a dress with tights and boots. Plus a big coat and hand warmers if you are on break duty

When I went to a College of Education in the mid '60s friends who were wanting to specialise in teaching Infants were told to wear brightly coloured tights as that was what the little children saw most of, this was before leggings and some schools didn't allow trousers either!

I used to work in primary schools and I would go for Uniqlo everything. Their wide legged smart joggers with the crease down the front are excellent, as are the linen or flannel easy trousers...stretchy waistbands too for when you need to get on the floor and back up again. A range of the crew neck t shirts and jumpers in various colours and Fit Flop Rallys would cover you for most eventualities and are comfortable and easy to move in.

If I ever wore a v neck or more oversized top I would always wear a close fitting vest underneath.

I’d agree I’m just going by previous dress policies I have seen. The teachers alongside this, who also earn a lot more, have worn long smart skirts or trousers, but pockets, belts etc aren’t always allowed. No opened toe footwear. No tops that could be revealing in any way.

I have close friends and family working in this sector, one family member who is an ex teacher had set clothes only for work due to all the rules.

What are the dress code rules where you work OP?

What do you currently wear?

also do you need a decent new coat as well for in the playground?

and what’s your budget?

We can all suggest things if we know the rules.

Don't forget to check your camel toe. I remember one teacher much beloved by the dads because of her camel toe. Dropping the kids at school was highlight of their day.
The dress over leggings does have its place.
Personally, I have several pairs of jeans that look like trousers. Very smart. Possibly too good for rolling on the floor with little ones. But would be comfortable enough. Would be ok in secondary

....I wonder why the headteacher didn't tell her 🤔 about the camel toe...

Well looking at the TAs in my youngest son’s school sports leggings with a visible thong and hoodie! I really think this day and age as long as you look tidy it really doesn’t matter. My sons teacher is often in sports gear!

We were actually told not to wear black in school when I was a student teacher.

Some of these comments have made me laugh. Some of you would be horrified at my work wear. I mostly wear active wear, leggings and hoodies etc. Always trainers. I need to be able to bend over, kneel down, sit cross legged on the floor, run after children! It may not look the smartest but it's the most practical!

What is "S&B"???

Style & Beauty - the name of this forum.

It literally says in the two-line OP that the school doesn't allow trainers.

Totally agree - I loathe it. To me it says "I don't have the figure for leggings and I don't have the figure for a dress so I'm going to throw both of them on together for no apparent reason." I'm no fashionista, but it is such a dowdy and ageing style.

Yes, secondary here too & it's quite smart where I am (although a good few younger teachers are pushing the boundaries & in my opinion are far too casual- trainers/ very baggy/ much more casual- and it's just not on when the kids need to be in full uniform with blazers).

My BF has been in primary 30+ years & there's no trainers at her school- they all manage just fine in comfortable flats of various kind, with trainers/ wellies/ outdoor boots kept in work for various lessons. Like PP said, Uniqlo is her friend.

Bloody hell, those dads sound desperate 🙄

I think some people don't understand what primary school teachers and TAs actually have to do!

I think you've mistaken the first poster's point.

She obviously doesn't think wearing trousers is 'dressed up', because she already alluded to "comfy black trousers, smart trainers, pretty top" as being practical workwear for a school environment.

I don't have a dog in this fight because I'm a leggings and dress girl myself. Not that Fat Face one, though; the neckline is too low if you stoop over.

Oi, I have the figure for a dress! But the alternative to leggings is tights which I hate, or going bare-legged under the dress and I've never sat genteelly enough for that. Ask my mother about that one.

Haha - sorry!

Lycra shorts underneath?

Yeah, I do that for really nice dresses that will be ruined by leggings. If I can get away with wearing leggings though, I totally dodge having to shave my legs ever. Huge win.

If it were me, I would wear comfy trousers with stretch, such as M&S ankle grazer tapered. Basic t-shirt and light cardigan, or button down shirt with stretch.

Other days I might wear a simple dress, once again with some stretch, tights and mary-janes with some support (like Doc Martens).

With a few pairs of trousers in different basic colours, and light jumpers or cardigans, you can mix and match a simple wardrobe. Just make sure you can move about comfortably, and be able to push up sleeves for crafting.