School uniform - shall I be bloody minded?

Poppy9

As I've posted previously I can only by DD school uniform i.e. trousers/skirt, PE kit & Sweatshirt from the school shop.

All trousers/skirts must have the school logo embroidered into the top of the trousers so I cannot buy elsewehre as they do regular uniform inspections.

As the shop is located in the school they graciously opened for business last Wednesday - Friday for 4 hours a day! This really bugs me as they expect us to buy the uniform in early July when they are normally open (1 lunch hour and 3-5.30pm one day a week). I did to this the first year (DD now going into Y9) but I had to take the trousers back because they didn't fit her by September.

Anyway last Wednesday went to the school and they were queuing to get into carpark and then queuing out the door so I abandoned as last year I waited an hour in the queue only to be told the size sweatshirts I needed were out of stock. Thursday I try again when the queue was much smaller. DD needed two pairs of school trousers as both her pairs from last year no longer reach her ankle. They were getting short last April so we tried to buy a new pair but they didn't have her size and said they would order some in for me. I ordered a couple of sizes/lengths as it's a bit hit and miss as they waists goes up in inches and there are 4 leg lengths and I've had two pairs the same size being different fits. The order never came in, or if it did they didn't tell DD (usually send a note via form teacher) or me and I just let the hem down completely on the longer pair of trousers she had and managed.

Last Thursday though they didn't have any trousers to fit DD so again I ordered in but the order won't be fulfilled for 2-3 weeks. DD back in school next Thursday so she is trouserless. I explained this to the school shop manager and she said I could alter a bigger size pair but even though they were only 1" bigger than what DD needed they were huge over bum, hips etc and a lot of work and due to the waistband style I would have to pay someone to alter. I don't see why I should go to the expense when it was the school's decision to be sole supplier and they don't stock all sizes, open earlier in school holidays when there is time to fulfill orders etc.

So I'm waiting for the right size. I'm all for sending her into school in the only other black trousers she has (casual canvas) for the week until her proper trousers arrive. DD said she would wear last years slung down on her hips!

Really I want to make a point to the school that there system is rubbish. I've written previously pointing out that they need to open more often, put lists on internet of sizes available and out of stock (to save unnecessary queuing) but they think the system works well. All the parents complain though, so I guess it just suits the school.

So should I be bloody minded?

I don't think I will be as DD is quiet and sensitive and wouldn't like being questioned by a teacher. I would of course contact the school before sending her in and give her a note for form tutor.

ifonlyitwaseasier

i'm sure i saw sthg in the press a while ago that they have to offer choice of supplier and can't limit you to one supplier at extortionate prices.

have a google.

i'd be bl**dy minded btw!

Poppy9

I've have raised the choice of supplier before (I'm in Wales) but they said that no other supplier will supply because there isn't enough mark up on them to make a profit as the school sell and only just above cost price (i.e. trousers are £11-18 a pair) if the school sells them also.

Paparika

If the only shop is on school premises and only open certain times, then i'd send my child in school without the correct uniform and a very snotty letter explaining that for the past 2 months the sizes you needed were not available then until then they will have to accept what she wears

bravobeastie

That system has recently come into play at our school due to a new head teacher (she's not the most popular we've ever had)

The way i see it is, ok for the jumpers/cardi's etc, but trousers and shirts are trousers and shirts. Get some from Asda or Tesco. No-one is going to look that closely.

Kez100

Write to the Governors saying their system does not work in practice.

Ask them to consider 'Get it 4 school' which is a website our school uses successfully. Parents can order online or by order form and post. Also the school help parents on school computers to make online orders or the school do a group order for parents who want to 'buy from school'. For sizing the school holds a small stock for trying on.

Cloe_3

Im Poppy9s DD:D

We have to have a logo on our school trousers and they like us to buy all our uniform from the school apart from shirts.
In the summer the try to get us to buy our polo shirts from the school aswell, even though the other ones are nicer.
We have school uniform checks too, where they check for the logo on our trousers, the style, everything.

.xo

Janepig

I'd tell them where they could stick their school trouser policy.

Jxx

geekgirl

Get a pair of trousers that look as similar as you can to the school ones and cut the badge off the old trousers that no longer fit. Then applique the badge onto the other trousers. You can do it by machine or hand. Not sure how your sewing skills are.
Could see you through until the school ones come through.
As for standing your ground, I would totally stand my ground if it was me that had to turn up in different trousers but if it was my daughter I would give her the choice of joining in the battle or not if she is shy and sensitive.
Good luck with it either way.

ailuro2

I was about to post the same thing- take the label off the old ones and stitch or wundaweb it onto the new trousers until the school gets their ordering policy sorted out.

can you scan the logo and use a T shirt printing kit for putting on gym kit etc?

We have a new head who has introduced a new range of clothing, but thankfully it is not mandatory, we had the option of school logo sweatshirts previously, she has obviously cottoned on that the school can make money from selling all these bags, coats, polo shirts etc. for premium prices.

We won't be buying them, not when it's around £7 for a single polo shirt.:eek:

chatta

Cloe wrote: »

Im Poppy9s DD:D

We have to have a logo on our school trousers and they like us to buy all our uniform from the school apart from shirts.
In the summer the try to get us to buy our polo shirts from the school aswell, even though the other ones are nicer.
We have school uniform checks too, where they check for the logo on our trousers, the style, everything.

.xo

Hi poppy9's daughter If there is a problem just give them your mum's mob number and tell them she will do your detention for you Good luck with the new term and work hard :j