My kids school is an !!!!

janninew

I work in a large secondary school and we have very strict rules regardng uniform. The head has sent children home many times if they are not in correct uniform. There are some funds put aside for parents on low incomes/benefits, they have to contact the school bursar who makes a decision if they are entitled to help. The first point of call should also be an appointment with the Headteacher, i'm sure they would do their best to help.

I do agree that children should wear a uniform, but something does need to be done about the costs and people who struggle to pay.

Coupon-mad

I also work in a large Secondary school and I have children at the secondary I work at. My DS3 is in a CofE Primary, like the OP's children (different area though I think).

When I can, I get uniform second hand for my children. A new jumper for my DS2 who was starting secondary this week would have cost about £19!! and a single polo shirt £11 this term. Luckily I had a stock of second hand stuff and just bought 'normal' smart back trousers (from M&S at only £6.50).

The primary school also insist on a logo'd uniform which I think comes from one supplier. Again I keep and swap second hand stuff with other Mums but when my DS1 started it was stupidly expensive...

I say all power to the OP. An unfair price monopoly deserves to be challenged. :T:T

You are speaking for many, many parents with your posts, dori2o. Do let us know what happens.




P.s. We don't live on a Council estate - and nor do my kids have Oilily coats (a horribly flashy/trashy brand if ever there was one but that's another story, another thread).:D:p

juliescot

dori2o wrote: »

I asked this morning but they said they don't supply them as they expect every child to wear the uniform as provided by Monkhouse.

This is something we will bring up at the PTA.



Whether it was discussed at the PTA or not I cannot say as I have never attended one. There was apparently a letter sent out at the end of the summer term, but I have no recolection of it, and neither do many of the parents in this situation.

So I suppose it is possible it was discussed and agreed by the PTA, who then informed parents prior to the start of term.
And now there is something of a backlash.

gordikin

dori2o wrote: »

There is a reason why I have not given the name of the school, especially as many of the parents, teachers and at least 1 of the govenors regularly use this site.

What's the problem with the teachers, parents and Governors knowing? Maybe you should attend some PTA meetings...why haven't you?

cheapscate

juliescot wrote: »

Do you not understand a viewpoint which differs from your own?

Can't see the cause for confusion

my post was in respect of some people find asking for help humiliating - the school 'made' the situation. By crossing out the word 'school' and inserting the word 'parents' made no sense - are you saying if the parents payed the expensive costs in the first place they would not have to ask for help? strange logic.....

dori2o

gordikin wrote: »

What's the problem with the teachers, parents and Governors knowing? Maybe you should attend some PTA meetings...why haven't you?

Simply because we have not had the time to do so.

Don't see why I should have to, but I will explain why.

They are held on the first Wednesday of the month and I work until 8, and my wife was working til 6, so by the time she had picked up the kids, got them home and sorted it was 8pm and time for their bed.

Now I'm still working til 8pm, and there is nobody to watch the kids whilst my wife goes, and they cannot handg around the school whilst the meeting is ongoing.

patanne

Isn't it strange that originally school uniforms were to make all children appear equal. If it were still the case then these schools should be specifying an Asda uniform or similar and not an upmarket shop - that was definitely NOT what it was about. Not about forcing children to have to go to school in second hand uniform and no doubt being picked on for that. Who do these schools think they are - they are going against all the principles of free and (almost) equal education for all which this country used to stand for

aliasojo

As tends to be the case more and more on this site these days, a fairly simple problem turns into something that has grown arms and legs because of others broadening the issue unnecessarily. IMO.

I completely agree with the OP's pov. School policy can be changed if it's shown to be unfair or unpopular with many. We had a similar issue a few years ago where we were expected to buy a particular logo'd sweatshirt. The quality was poor and the item lost colour and bobbled very quickly. We accepted having to buy what we were asked to but were up in arms about how our money was being wasted.

Enough calm and collected voices ensured the situaiton was looked at again. We were then given the option of buying anywhere as long as the items were te correct style/colour. I strongly suggest you garner support from other parents who are actually willing to speak out rather than just grumble behind the scenes.

Good luck.

Amistoso_2

gordikin wrote: »

What's the problem with the teachers, parents and Governors knowing? Maybe you should attend some PTA meetings...why haven't you?

How predictable...

gordikin

dori2o wrote: »

Simply because we have not had the time to do so.

Don't see why I should have to, but I will explain why.

They are held on the first Wednesday of the month and I work until 8, and my wife was working til 6, so by the time she had picked up the kids, got them home and sorted it was 8pm and time for their bed.

Now I'm still working til 8pm, and there is nobody to watch the kids whilst my wife goes, and they cannot handg around the school whilst the meeting is ongoing.

How about you both take a half day/day off now and again and attend?