1. Introduction

1.1 It is our policy that all children should be encouraged to wear school uniform when attending school, or when participating in a school organised event outside normal school hours. We provide a list of the items suggested for school uniform on our school website and they are listed below for ease of reference.

1.2 The DfE (Department for Education) ‘strongly encourages schools to have a uniform’ as they believe ‘it can play a valuable role in contributing to the ethos of a school and set an appropriate tone.’

2. Aims and objectives

Our policy is based on the notion that a school uniform:

• promotes a sense of pride in the school;
• engenders a feeling of community and belonging
• builds a sense of identity;
• is practical and smart;
• identifies the children with the school;
• is not distracting in class (as fashion clothes might be);
• makes children feel equal to their peers in terms of appearance;
• is regarded as suitable, and good value for money, by most parents;
• supports positive behaviour;
• has been designed with health and safety in mind.

3. Items of uniform

The school colours are navy blue and grey. No branded clothing is permitted with the exception of the school logo.

The following items comprise our school uniform:

• Grey trousers / grey pleated skirts / grey tailored knee-length shorts / grey pinafores (preferably only Early Years and Key Stage 1);
• Navy blue V-neck sweatshirt or jumper or navy blue cardigan (preferably with the school logo);
• Short-sleeved white polo shirt (preferably with the school logo);
• Navy blue and white checked summer dress (between Easter and October half term only);
• Grey socks with trousers and shorts / grey tights / white socks with skirts and summer dresses;
• Sensible black shoes (not trainers) / sensible white sandals between Easter and October (optional and with white socks);
• Boots may be worn in winter to and from school; however pupils must change into black shoes once in school.

Our school PE kit comprises the following items:

• Navy blue t-shirt (preferably with the school logo);
• Navy blue shorts;
• Navy blue sweatshirt (preferably with the school logo) (winter games only);
• Navy blue jogging bottoms (winter games only);
• Black plimsolls for indoor sports;
• Black, navy or white trainers.

4. Jewellery

4.1 In accordance with the Local Authority requirements on health and safety, we do not allow children to wear jewellery in our school.

4.2 The exceptions to this rule are small, simple studs in pierced ears, small objects of religious significance or wristwatches. “Smart” watches are strictly prohibited.

4.3 On days when children have Physical Education lessons and/or sporting activities, they should not wear jewellery to school. If children do attend school with jewellery, they will be asked to remove objects before Physical Education lessons or any other lessons where the wearing of such items constitutes a potential safety risk. Teachers and other members of staff do not take responsibility for the safe keeping of jewellery which has been removed.

5. Extreme haircuts / Make-up

5.1 The school does not permit children to have haircuts / hair colourings that could serve as a distraction to other children.

5.2 Mid to long length hair should be tied back at all times. Hair accessories should be minimal and in keeping with the school colours of navy and grey.

5.3 The wearing of make-up, including nail varnish, is not permitted. Likewise, the wearing of temporary tattoos is not acceptable.

6. The Role of Parents

6.1 We ask all parents who send their children to our school to support the ‘School Uniform Policy’. We believe that parents have a duty to send their children to school correctly dressed and to support the policies of the school. Parents should ensure that their child has the correct uniform / colours and that it is clean and in good condition.

7. Pupil non-compliance

7.1 It is our aim to work with families to overcome difficulties with non- compliance of this policy. At all times, we are willing to consider reasonable requests for flexibility to accommodate particular social and cultural circumstances. In this instance, parents should at first make representations to the Headteacher.

7.2 If a pupil is not wearing an item of uniform as identified in this policy a letter will be sent home as a reminder identifying which item is not suitable – see Appendix A. After 2 letters about the same item in a school year the parents / carers will be invited to discuss the matter further with the Headteacher. There is a separate letter for PE Kit – see Appendix B

8. The Role of the Governing Body

8.1 The Governing body supports the Headteacher in implementing the school uniform policy. It considers all representations from parents regarding this policy and liaises with the Headteacher to ensure that the policy is implemented fairly and with sensitivity.

9.2 It is the Governing body’s responsibility to ensure that the school uniform meets all national regulations concerning equal opportunities and that the school uniform policy is consistent with the school’s policy on equal opportunities.

9.3 Governing body members ensure that the school uniform policy helps children to dress sensibly in clothing that is hardwearing, safe and practical.

9. Monitoring and review

This policy will be reviewed by the Governing body annually.