1. Aims

This policy aims to:

• Set out our approach to requiring a uniform that is of reasonable cost and offers the best value for money for parents and carers;
• Explain how we will avoid discrimination in line with our legal duties under the Equality Act 2010;
• Clarify our expectations for school uniform;
• Create cohesion across the school.

2. Our school’s legal duties under the Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination against an individual based on the protected characteristics, which include age, sex, disability, race, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, and gender reassignment.

To avoid discrimination, our school will:

• Avoid listing uniform items based on sex, to give all pupils the opportunity to wear the uniform they feel most comfortable in or that most reflects their self-identified gender;
• Make sure that our uniform costs the same for all pupils;
• Allow all pupils to have long hair (though we reserve the right to ask for this to be tied back);
• Allow all pupils to style their hair in a way that is appropriate for school and makes them feel most comfortable;
• Allow pupils to request changes to swimwear for religious reasons or if they are experiencing discomfort related to their sex, gender or gender reassignment;
• Allow pupils to wear headscarves and/or other religious garments;
• Allow pupils with sensory or physical needs to make reasonable adaptations to their uniform depending on their specific needs;
• Allow for reasonable adaptations to our policy on the grounds of equality by asking pupils or their parents/carers to get in touch with the Assistant Headteacher linked with the year group, who can answer questions about the policy and respond to any requests. These will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

3. Limiting the cost of school uniform

Our school has a duty to make sure that the uniform we require is affordable, in line with statutory guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) on the cost of school uniform.

We will make sure our uniform:

• Is available at a reasonable cost;
• Provides the best value for money for parents/carers.

We will do this by:

• Ensuring that we are not insisting on any branded clothing for school;
• Limiting items with distinctive characteristics to low-cost and/or long-lasting items, such as a school jumper;
• Considering cheaper alternatives to school-branded items, such as logos that can be ironed on, as long as this doesn’t compromise quality and durability;
• Avoiding specific requirements for items pupils could wear on non-school days, such as coats, bags and shoes;
• Keeping the number of optional branded items to a minimum, so that the school’s uniform can act as a social leveler;
• Avoiding different uniform requirements for different year/class/house groups;
• Avoiding different uniform requirements for extracurricular activities;
• Considering alternative methods for signalling differences in groups for interschool competitions, such as creating posters or labels;
• Making sure that arrangements are in place for parents/carers to acquire second-hand uniform items;
• Avoiding frequent changes to uniform specifications and minimising the financial impact on parents/carers of any changes;
• Consulting with parents/carers and pupils on any proposed significant changes to the uniform policy and carefully considering any complaints about the policy.

4. Expectations for school uniform

At Gascoigne Primary, we believe that it is important that all our pupils wear full school uniform every day.  There are many benefits gained from children wearing school uniform, least of all is that they feel a sense of belonging.  We do not insist that jumpers or polo shirts have the school logo on, but we do ask that the jumper is royal blue and school footwear is black.  We also expect children to wear their school uniform correctly, i.e. their shirt must be tucked in and shoes laces tied.  For younger children, it is advisable that they wear shoes with Velcro to help them with their independence. We would appreciate it if you would support us in our drive to ensure that children are dressed appropriately for school.

4.1 Our school’s uniform

• Black or grey skirt (must be worn no higher than just above the knee) / pinafore / trousers / shorts / blue checked dress;
• White polo shirt / collared shirt;
• Royal blue school jumper / fleece / cardigan;
• Black, grey or white socks or tights;
• Black flat shoes or black trainers (no prominent logos);
• Hijabs in Royal Blue, White, Black or Grey.

PE Kit  

Pupils must bring a PE kit they change into on their PE days; it must be different to the school uniform being worn.

The appropriate kit is as follows:

• White plain t-shirt;
• Blue or black shorts / joggers / tracksuit bottoms;
• Plimsolls or trainers;
• Socks (not tights).

Additional

• Hair must be tied back for PE;
• No nail varnish, false nails, eyelash extensions or make-up;
• No jewellery – if your child has pierced ears, they may wear studs only, which must be removed on PE days
• No badges, lanyards or ties are to be worn unless given by the school.
• Watches (not smartwatches) are suitable if they are not too bulky and noisy;
• School bags should be able to fit on a peg. 

Please note that boots may be worn to school, but children may be asked to change into their plimsolls or school shoes when they arrive.

4.2 Where to purchase it

We are currently researching providers of school wear and will update this policy once this is completed.

Iron-on logos are available for purchase at the school office.

Unbranded school uniform can be purchased from most supermarkets or clothing retailers.

5. Expectations for our school community

5.1 Pupils

Pupils are expected to wear the correct uniform at all times (other than specified non-school uniform days) while:

• On the school premises;
• Travelling to and from school;
• At out-of-school events or on trips that are organised by the school, or where they are representing the school (if required).

Pupils are also expected to contact the Assistant Headteacher linked with the year group if they want to request an amendment to the uniform policy in relation to their protected characteristics.

5.2 Parents and carers

Parents and carers are expected to make sure their child has the correct uniform and PE kit, and that every item is:

• Clean;
• Clearly labelled with the child’s name;
• In good condition; 
• Parents/carers are also expected to contact the Assistant Headteacher linked with the year group if they want to request an amendment to the uniform policy in relation to:
• Their child’s protected characteristics;
• The cost of the uniform.

Parents/carers are expected to lodge any complaints or objections relating to the school uniform in a timely and reasonable manner.

Disputes about the cost of the school uniform will be:

• Resolved locally.
• Dealt with in accordance with our school’s Complaints Policy.

The school will work closely with parents/carers to arrive at a mutually acceptable outcome.

5.3 Staff

Staff will closely monitor pupils to make sure they are in the correct uniform. They will give any pupils and families breaching the uniform policy the opportunity to comply but will follow up with the Headteacher if the situation doesn’t improve.

In cases where it is suspected that financial hardship has resulted in a pupil not complying with this uniform policy, staff will take a mindful and considerate approach to resolving the situation.

5.4 Governors

The Governing Board will review this policy and make sure that it:

• Is appropriate for our school’s context;
• It is implemented fairly across the school;
• Takes into account the views of parents/carers and pupils;
• Offers a uniform that is appropriate, practical and safe for all pupils.  

The Governing Board will also make sure that the school’s uniform supplier arrangements give the highest priority to cost and value for money, for example, by avoiding single supplier contracts and by re-tendering contracts at least every 5 years.

6. Monitoring arrangements

This policy will be reviewed annually.

7. Links to other policies

This policy is linked to our:

• Behaviour policy
• Equality Information and Objectives Statement
• Anti-bullying policy
• Complaints policy