School stuff dressing code.

[TheNewWitchOfSWL]

I am new at my job, working as a support staff.

The HT doesn't like people wearing jeans or trainers. I wasn't made aware of this during my interview so after two weeks was gently told by a colleague about the dress code. I am struggling a little bit as I feel very silly wearing formal shoes (I have one pair of black brogues that I use when I do causal work as waitress) and I use my old black smart trousers (again from my waitressing job) and bought two more trousers from charity shops. I do have a few 'smart' ish tops that I keep washing so I can re-use them and nice coats/jackets BUT I am a jeans/trainers/t-shirt person and although my usual look is very casual I am am always clean/presentable, light make up on etc. My hair is another issue, it is total wild so when I dress smart for work I feel the need to have it all tidied back which makes me feel old and boring…

I hate shopping but I am saving money and looking for bargains so I can update my wardrobe and find a good pair of boots that will last.
Just wondering of in other schools the dress code is so strict? I see some people making minimum effort but I was told that if I want a more permanent position/more hours etc, would be a good idea to comply with the HT.

I work as Admin at a Sixth Form so slightly different but I would say if it isn't specified in your code of conduct etc that you have to wear business dress then wear what you are comfortable in. Normally if I know I will be having a meeting or covering reception I will dress smarter but on days like today when I've got a splitting headache / running late for Dd school no time to do hair / makeup then I go in jeans, converse and top nobody makes any comments.

I'd say most primary schools the dress code is no jeans, no cleavage/midriffs, no spaghetti straps and just generally clean and tidy.

I tend to wear either black trousers, a long top/tunic and a cardigan, or dress/tunic, thick leggings and a cardigan. Slouchy ankle boots or converse.

I'm a primary teacher and we are allowed to wear jeans and trainers. I wear jeans and uggs most days in the winter. However, if I were in a school with a policy I'd just wear black jeans/skinny ish trousers and an inoffensive plain jumper.

As a supply teacher I am in lots of schools, and seems to me the primary 'uniform' I see ( and wear myself when in primary) is black trousers, simple top, black shoes - I wear ballet type.
Black trousers are cheap - I get mine in Asda, look good but are inexpensive - why sweat the small stuff? Black trousers and pumps are at least as cheap as jeans and trainers...

How odd that you think not wearing jeans/trainers is very strict?! Have you had many jobs?

I've been teaching for years and jeans/trainers have never been ok.

Did your teachers wear them when you were at school??

I didn't go to school to here so can't comment.
All the jobs I had here I had to wear uniform.
This is my first job in a school and I wasn't told about the no jeans policy at the interview and I really didn't pay attention on what other people were wearing.
It's not a big deal, just wanted to know what other schools are like, I'm not complaining.
Thanks.

when i wear black trousers all the time I feel like I am duty manager in Matalan

when i wear black trousers all the time I feel like I am duty manager in Matalan

Don't do it then!

IKR I am currently on a mission to diversify

Dress code isn't something you really discuss at the interview stage, so I'm not surprised they didn't tell you. The interview is to decide if you have the skill set and commitment for the post (and for you to decide if you really want the job).

What did you wear for the interview? If you were suitably dressed for that the school may assume your would be suitably dressed for the actual job. However, all schools I know have a code of conduct / staff handbook and the dress code is one thing mentioned in there. I would hope you also had an induction before you started working with young children and if you had not been suitably dressed that would have been a good time for the mentor to mention it.

I was approached at the school run and asked if I was interested int he position, did the interview and got the job right away after sending my CV and completing the applications forms, getting new CRB etc. Didn't get and code of conduct, staff handbook or induction day, anything, but they knew I had tons of experience. I don't wear short skirt or low cut tops, nor open sandals or high heels. I just took a very informal approach of which is corrected now. Thanks.

Hmm. The recruitment process sounds professional.

Very poor safeguarding practice - knowing someone has "tons of experience" doesn't negate the need for a proper induction and internal code of conduct and safeguarding training.

However, regarding your clothing you do need to dress as required. Many of us don't like our working wardrobe but need to dress "in role".

I am not complaining about the dress code, just posted to check how other schools are.

I have had lots of CRBs over the years and have training in EY, I am well qualified for the job. I have training in 1st Aid, safeguarding, observation and planing and children's development. I am currently finish a diploma.

After the interview I needed to apply and prove my qualifications like everybody else. I also had to get a new CRB. But I agree that I should have had a internal code of conduct and induction, yes.

I starter out lightly talking about clothes and look how the thread turned out….but it is MN, what was I expecting?

Let's just let the thread die please.

Have just started a new job in a school & have a very smart dress code which took some getting used to at first dressing up smart as I am so not smart out of work but it does mean that I can separate my work/personal life persona easier iyswim.

Good luck in the new job

I think people are being a bit harsh on you here. Plenty of schools now allow less formal clothing. I've been wearing jeans for work for a few months now. I felt very wrong at first but in EY where you are out in the mud/down on the floor/covered in paint they are comfortable and practical and look at lot better at the end of a busy day than paint splattered black trousers.

I sometimes wear jeans and trainers, as do other members of staff. I find the claims to incredulity that people might wear such clothing in schools in the UK a little forced. I'm guessing that many of these people live extremely circumscribed lives.
Having said that, I currently seem to live in dresses since they are amazingly hassle-free.

OP, I think you should dispense with the reasonable answers to rude, rather prissy responses, and really give them what they are hoping for: the school found me in the street, drinking Baileys from an old shoe, and now I am often drunk and in charge of all the littlies at lunchtime.

I'm guessing that many of these people live extremely circumscribed lives.

Nope. I've just taught in and visited lots of schools where none of the staff wear jeans. It really isn't that strange.

I'm another one who works in a school that allows jeans so it's not unknown, however not that common so if I started at a new school I would wait and see what others wore rather than presume jeans were ok.

Like RollOn I visit dozens and dozens of different Nurseries - jeans and trainers are just not seen as appropriate workwear. The school's policy is perfectly normal.
Their recruitment policy isn't though!

I'd expect an adult to be able to look around them and realise that there is clearly a dress code, without needing to be told, tbh. Something you learn about (if you've not been forewarned by your parents or the school) when doing work experience in Yr10.