Pupil Dress Code (Uniform Policy)

Policy Aims

This policy sets out the Dress Code for pupils at Spring Meadow Primary School.  It complies with the new Non-Statutory guidance on School uniforms - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Through this policy we aim to ensure:

• that our children are comfortable and ready to learn
• that our children are dressed appropriately for the activities they will be undertaking each day
• that our children feel included and part of our school community
• that we do not discriminate on grounds of sex, gender, religion or any other protected characteristic
• that children are able to express their individuality within the guidelines that we set
• that we do not place an unacceptable financial burden on our parents

Branded items can be bought from the online uniform shop ‘Anglia Sports and Schoolwear’, https://www.yourschoolwear.co.uk/spring-meadow-primary-school-221-c.asp whilst others are easily available, at local shops and supermarkets. We also have a uniform exchange system set up and based on our school site, which is run by our PTA.

This policy does not currently apply to children attending our ‘School House’ Nursery.

We expect all children to adhere to our guidelines  as set out within this policy.  However, we do not believe that incorrect clothing should be a reason for non-attendance and therefore it is not our policy to send children home for infringements of this Code. If a pupil attends school dressed inappropriately (as defined by these guidelines),  parents will be contacted to remind them of the expectations and / or asked to bring more suitable clothing up to school.  Children wearing jewellery or over sized hair ornaments that may present a health and safety risk, will be asked to remove them and take them home at the end of the day.

Spring Meadow Primary School and School House Nursery has adopted The Halo Code  Halo- School to champion the right of staff and students to embrace Afro-hairstyles. (Appendix 1)

Roles and Responsibilities

Governors. The Governing Body supports the headteacher in implementing the school Dress Code . It considers all representations from parents regarding this policy  and liaises with the headteacher to ensure that it is implemented fairly and with sensitivity.  It is the governors’ responsibility to ensure that the school Dress Code  meets all regulations concerning equal opportunities.  Governors ensure that the school Dress Code enables children to dress sensibly, in clothing that is comfortable, safe and practical.  Governors are responsible for reviewing this Dress Code.

Headteacher.  The Headteacher implements the School Dress Code on a day to day basis and has overall responsibility for ensuring that standards are maintained.  

Staff.  School staff support the Leadership Team by being role models in the wearing of appropriate clothing.  Staff will make discrete and sympathetic enquiries if a pupil fails to follow the Dress Code understanding that children’s standards of dress may reflect their home situation.  Staff will give positive encouragement to children setting a good example of dress and will bring any concerns to the Safeguarding Team.

Parents and Carers. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their child is dressed appropriately within the guidelines set out in the Dress Code.  If a parent has difficulties for any reason with fulfilling this request, they are asked to speak confidentially to a member of our Inclusion Team to discuss the issues.  Parents should be assured that we will do all we can to help.  Parents should ensure that their child’s name is written on all items of clothing so that they can be identified and returned if lost.

Pupils

Pupils at Spring Meadow will dress appropriately with pride, and make every effort to keep themselves clean and tidy.  Pupils will be supported to learn to dress and undress independently.

What should our children wear to school?

Wearing our school colours of navy blue and black or grey is what creates the sense of inclusion and belonging to the Spring Meadow Primary School community.  We ask that all parents adhere to these colours when selecting clothing for school.  Some branded items of clothing are available but there is no expectation that these will be worn.  

On PE and Outdoor Learning Days, children may come to school in the appropriate clothing for these activities 

Dress Code for ‘normal’ days

• Trousers, jogging bottoms, leggings, shorts, skirt or pinafore in black, navy or dark grey.
• Shirt, polo shirt or t-shirt in white or light blue 
• Navy blue sweatshirt, ‘hoodie’ or cardigan.  
• Blue and white checked summer dress
• Plain black shoes or trainers ideally without logos but a discreet brand mark is acceptable

Dress Code for PE days

Depending on the weather and the unit of work, PE may either be indoor or outdoors so children should always be prepared for both.  

The dress code for PE is:

• Navy shorts or jogging bottoms
• White t-shirt
• Black or blue tracksuit for outdoor 
• PE Black plimsolls or trainers
• For hygiene reasons, older children may wish to bring a change of top or clothing to put on after PE lessons, particularly in hot weather.

During PE lessons, long hair must be tied back and all jewellery (including earrings) and watches removed by the child.  Staff are not permitted to support the children with this or to use tape to cover earrings, therefore we do strongly advise parents to get ears pierced during long school holidays.

Dress Code for Outdoor Learning

Outdoor learning takes place regardless of the weather so children need to be dressed appropriately.  Because of the activities undertaken, clothes and footwear should be hardwearing.  Parents should be aware that children may get more dirty than usual on these days.

• Comfortable trousers, jogging bottoms or leggings
• T shirt or polo shirt and/or sweatshirt or hoodie
• Waterproof jacket.  Waterproof trousers or all in one would be very useful.
• Old trainers or wellies (children may want to bring clean shoes to change in to) 

Dress Code for Swimming

• Swimming trunks ( baggy swim shorts are not acceptable) or swimsuit (a tankini style swimsuit is fine but a two piece bikini is not)
• A swimming hat

Because of current changing restrictions at the pool (a legacy of COVID) children are asked to wear their swimming trunks or costume under their normal school clothes on their swimming day.  Changing facilities are available after the session so children need to bring a towel and dry school clothes with them to change into.

Examples of unacceptable clothing

• Jeans or other denim as these items are often uncomfortable and do not dry quickly or easily if wet
• High heels or platform footwear
• Extremely short skirts, shorts or tops 
• Open toed sandals or ‘flip flop’ style footwear
• Snood type scarves or face coverings 
• Any kind of clothing with distinctive branding, logos or other slogans 

Other items 

• For health and safety reasons we do not allow children to wear jewellery.  The exceptions to this rule are small studs in pierced ears, and small objects of religious significance. Children are required to remove any items during PE lessons to prevent them from causing injury.  
• Wrist watches may be worn but only for the purpose of telling the time. ‘Smart’ watches linked to mobile phones are not permitted. 
• Hair bands, ribbons/bows or ‘scrunchies’ should be plain and either blue or black or white in colour. 
• Make up and nail varnish should not be worn to school unless for an out of school hours function, for example a school disco. 

   Appendix 1

The Halo Code

For Schools

Our school champions the right of staff and students to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black staff and students’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance.

We welcome Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps.

At this school, we recognise and celebrate our staff and students’ identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on anyone's ability to succeed.

Reviewed: Summer 2023

Next Review:  Summer 2024