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 

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 sex, race, religion or belief, 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 the way that is appropriate for school yet makes them feel most comfortable 
• Allow pupils to request changes to swimwear for religious reasons 
• Allow pupils to wear headscarves and other religious or cultural symbols 
• Allow for adaptations to our policy on the grounds of equality by asking pupils or their parents to get in touch with the headteacher who can answer questions about the policy and respond to any requests  

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 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: 

• Keeping the number of optional branded items to a minimum 
• Avoiding different uniform requirements for extra-curricular activities 
• Making sure that arrangements are in place for parents to acquire second-hand uniform items 
• Avoiding frequent changes to uniform specifications and minimising the financial impact on parents of any changes
• Consulting with parents and pupils on any proposed significant changes to the uniform policy and carefully considering any complaints about the policy

4. Expectations for school uniform

4.1 Our school’s uniform

Lower School:

•  Yellow polo shirt
• Royal blue sweatshirt / cardigan 
• Grey / black trousers or skirt
• Yellow or blue check or striped dress for summer
• PE kit consists of a white t-shirt and royal blue shorts       

 We also encourage all children to wear sun hats in the summer.   

 

Upper School:

• Pale blue polo shirt  
• Royal blue sweatshirt / cardigan
• Grey / black trousers or skirt
• Yellow or blue check or striped dress for summer
• PE kit consists of a white t-shirt and royal blue shorts. Trainers will be required for outdoor activities. In winter it would be advisable for your child to have jogging bottoms and a sweatshirt for outside games.

We also encourage all children to wear sun hats in the summer.

 

Post 16:

Students in Post 16 are not required to wear uniform; however, some may prefer to due to the need to keep to a routine.

Clothes should be comfortable and stand up to the wear and tear of school life. We do not recommend that students wear expensive designer items. 

All clothes should be suitable for a school environment, e.g., no logos or images that could be considered offensive or sexual in nature.

 

4.2 Where to purchase it 

All items, in the school colours, are available from the major chain stores and supermarkets at very reasonable prices. 

Sweatshirts, polo shirts, white PE t-shirts and reversible waterproof/fleece jackets carrying the school logo are available from:

Lollipops, 20, Norfolk Place, Berwick Hills, Middlesbrough TS3 7PA 
Telephone: 01642 225827
https://lollipops-middlesbrough.co.uk/

Lollipops also offer a ‘pre-worn’ uniform service where parents can donate good quality used uniform, and take pre-worn uniform.

5. Expectations for our school community 

5.1 Pupils

Pupils are expected to wear the correct uniform (other than specified non-school uniform days) but we understand that this can sometimes cause issues. If your child struggles to wear the required uniform please get in touch with their class teacher.

5.2 Parents and carers

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

• Clean 
• Clearly labelled with the child’s name 
•  In good condition  

Parents are also expected to contact the headteacher 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 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 to arrive at a mutually acceptable outcome. 

5.3 Governors 

The governing board will review this policy and make sure that it:

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

6. Monitoring arrangements 

This policy will be reviewed every three years, at every review, it will be approved by the Governing Body.

7. Links to other policies 

This policy is linked to our:

• Behaviour policy
• Equality information and objectives statement 
• Anti-bullying policy 
• Complaints policy