School Uniform Rant!

savingpennies

It's not only the price but the quality. Two local schools near me also do this. At one school blazers have to be worn and a friend whose kids go there is forever trying to repair them as they go at the seams.
At my daughters' school, one of my friends ordered a skirt and then promptly sent it back - it cost a fiver more than the ones in M&S and the quality was awful. My youngest will be returning in the uniform she wore last year - it still fits and looks good. She is still wearing her older sister's PE sweatshirt that has an old logo but still fits and looks ok - no-one has challenged her so far about it. But if they do I will be down there like a shot.
Not everyone is able to afford this kind of nonsense and what does it matter as long as the kids look neat and tidy. I've no problem with pullovers/blazers or part of the PE kit with a logo but trousers/skirts/shirts/socks (yes, one school has these near us) it seems ridiculous, unnecessary and frankly, profiteering.
Interestingly, the two private schools near us have uniform shops but they sell new and second hand uniform, the second hand stuff always goes first.

strawberry_laces

I've had to buy a reversible rugby shirt (in home and away colour)
rugby socks in home and away colour)
Blazer with school logo
P.E. Shorts with school logo
Summer tops with School logo
school tie
The rest are
Black trousers from Mr T
football shoes from Sports Soccer
Shirts from Mr T
Black Coat from Mr T
Black polishable shoes
Trainers from Sports Soccer

My son and I have been told if he dosent turn up in the correct uniform, (stuff that should have a logo but dosent,) he is facing detention everyday til he gets the correct uniform.

Its not fair he suffers because of my morals, so I've reluctantly gone out and bought it (son has no intention of wanting to make the rugby team either )

So far its cost us £120.00 and I have to kit out another son, who thankfully is still in prmary school and can go in school uniform that can be picked up cheaply for Mr T or Asda

pepsicola_2

absolutely bindiboo, no point in people sitting at home moaning, get into the school and do something a sourcing and selling the uniforms yourself thats why schools now have parent governors and pta

oompahloompah

I must admit that I am very lucky with my sons' schools; black trousers/black or navy jumper/white shirt, from anywhere. PE kit is any shorts and t-shirt (preferably plain but anything suitable as long as it is not football colours or with any objectionable slogans/advertising).
It is my understanding that while school uniform is to be encouraged, it CANNOT be enforced, i.e. it is not law. If your school is insisting on the inferior quality, higher priced items I would take the matter up with the Council's education department, and the MP if necessary. I would think it is more important that children are dressed smartly and suitably for school than wearing a particular brand.

Money_Maker_Shaker

oompahloompah wrote: »

It is my understanding that while school uniform is to be encouraged, it CANNOT be enforced, i.e. it is not law.

An interesting point which I'd also like clarifying. Whilst it's not 'law' isn't it actually decided by the schools uniform policy, so you are under no legal obligation to send your child in the schools uniform but then the school may choose to exclude the pupil from attending if their policies are breached?

louise3965

Do what I do, go into the nearest embroidery place (you know, the place that embroiders hen night items and footy shirts ect, with the school website and a printout of the logos. I got mine from google image and took the item I already had, ie the normal sweatshirt. They scanned the logo onto the computer and for £4 they embroidered the logo onto my matalan cardigans. I save a fortune that way even though it is a bit of a pain

bindiboo

pepsicola wrote: »

absolutely bindiboo, no point in people sitting at home moaning, get into the school and do something a sourcing and selling the uniforms yourself thats why schools now have parent governors and pta

thanks, I have had loads of orders this year as word of mouth gets round. In fact just had another call from a parent saying that she is one of the disatisfied customer of the current supplier and is disgusted of the poor quality of the sweatshirt that she bought just 3 months ago which has faded. I am proud to be able to say that my quality sweatshirts do not fade and I happly show parents one that my sons have been wearing so they can see how well they have worn and washed and compared to new ones, they are exactly the same colour.

Another mother asked if I did another local school. She is a governor there is will put in a good word for me.

bindiboo

Money_Maker_Shaker wrote: »

An interesting point which I'd also like clarifying. Whilst it's not 'law' isn't it actually decided by the schools uniform policy, so you are under no legal obligation to send your child in the schools uniform but then the school may choose to exclude the pupil from attending if their policies are breached?

mmmmmmmmmmm shouldnt they be more interested in teaching!!

mspig

http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/management/atoz/u/uniform/

Have a look at this site, tells you about school uniforms rules.

I do know what you mean though, eldest is off to high school this year, up to now i bought a jumper with logo that cost me £26.00, blazer with logo that cost £30.00, 2 P.E polo tops with logo that were £15.00 each, then you have rugby top, shorts, even socks with logo.

He also had to have proper school shoes( not ones that look like trainers, or boots or with showable seem proper suit shoes, non marking sole trainers, football boots, rugby boots, tracksuit, waterproof jkt, 2 aprons, tie then we have the £30.00 school fund fee, £15.00 locker fee , £50.00 for a school trip for next year that the money has to be in on the first day of school or they can't go(according to the letter sent this month). I feel like ive not had a penny to spend this month apart from in uniform for him, just glad that the middle ones primary school uniform is cheap from asda, and the youngest won't be going to school until hes 5 so a 2 and half years to go.