School Uniform?

jellyhead

I used to dream of having my own room and I envied my friends who did ... I just didn't like my sister though, it wasn't because I wanted to do homework

Savvy_Sue

Humphrey10 wrote: »

Well it does help. I certainly don't know how I would have done my GCSEs and A levels if I hadn't had somewhere to work undisturbed.

I'm not saying it doesn't help, but it can't always be done, as JoJo has described. And the school has a library, and the local authority has libraries (just, possibly), so there's always SOMEWHERE.

And I was at boarding school: we did 'prep' in our classrooms, and finished it in our day rooms - 30 girls, music, dressmaking, table tennis etc - or if we were proper swats in the library. You learn to tune out the racket, it's a useful skill!

Mine did all have their own bedrooms with desks by GCSE. The older two always did their homework sat on their beds: DS2 sort of squats like a gnome when he uses his chair. DS3 always CHOSE to do his homework on the dining table: if I was downstairs he had Radio 4 on, if he was on his own he had music.

smileyhappy

DCSF guidance says school "should" ensure multiple suppliers but doesnt say they "must", which is where the problem lies. I has a battle with dtrs High school. Over three years it gradually changed and I got what I wanted. But its hard work. Chair of Governors told me no one had ever complained before me! Maybe not directly to him but many had moaned. You just have to keep at them and chat to other parents. Set up a recycle service. Keep on at school in the calmest way possible(not easy I know! Hopefully they will see sense. Also keep mentioning how tight for cash people are at the moment.

On the other side though I was a Governor and people are very quick to push the new boundaries if things change.

pinkclouds

babyemily wrote: »

Seanymph: I have checked with the school re: secondhand school uniform but they do not allow it to be sold as they feel every child should have their own new school uniform.

Second-hand clothes are a fact of life. Perhaps your child doesn't have older siblings but many kids do and, assuming they are the same sex, will hand some clothes down for reuse - including uniforms, if applicable. (Some of my acquaintances even pass clothes sideways to friends - you gotta love the growth spurt years, when some clothes/shoes don't even manage a couple of months!) If the school doesn't have/condone a second-hand uniform sale then I'd suggest palling up with some moms of older kids and offering to take any cast-offs. It's not exactly the same but at my elder kid's school, some of the nativity/theatrical costume elements have been doing considerable rounds because, otherwise, some bits and pieces would only get worn once! Some clothing just isn't suitable for charity shop donations (particularly if logo'd/marked) and it feels awful to just bin the stuff.

patchwork_cat

Thought this might be interesting also the link to another site just over half way down the page http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Schoolslearninganddevelopment/SchoolLife/DG_4016078 Typical ! Dead link. However if you look I am sure you will find it. Re second hand uniform it is often a PTA thing. I believe that schools have to be inclusive.

My DD goes to a selective school and at every trip etc. they will say that if you are experienceing difficulties paying and are on various benefits please get in touch.

FBaby

Is there a problem with the heating in the classroom? If not, then I don't think it is unreasonable to ask that she wear proper shoes and not have gloves during class. Surely she doesn't have boots and gloves at home at all time. It sounds to me as if the issue is about what she wears when outside of the classroom. Surely she is entitled to bring boots and then change for her walk home?

I don't understand the coat business either as again, what she wears outside of the school ground is not their business, so she could wait until she reaches the gate and then wear whatever coat.

My belief is you picked that school, that means you picked its rules. No point in challenging them, better to concentrate on finding ways to suit your daughter's needs around them.

Mrs_Arcanum

There are several pointers about School Uniforms on this government site. It would seem School Governors are the ones responsible for Uniform Policy and this particular Schools Governors may not be mindful of some of the guidelines about uniform cost not being used as a method of excluding or discouraging pupils.

52. Schools should consult widely on proposed school uniform policies and changes to established policies. They should ensure their policies are fair and reasonable and have regard to their obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998 and anti-discrimination legislation. They should also give high priority to the cost of the uniform.

53. Schools should ensure that the chosen uniform is affordable and does not act as a barrier to parents when choosing a school. They should be able to demonstrate to parents how best value has been achieved and keep the cost of supplying the uniform under review.

pollypenny

These uniform rules seem extraordinary, especially with regard to a coat which was perfect in September.

However, layers are the key to staying warm and thin is usually better than thick. A fine thermal under her blouse could not be seen. I feel that skirts are often warmer than trousers - it could be lined, she could wear warm tights too and even a petticoat!

(That's from my experience of being stuck in a classroom where the east wind whistled through the corroded metal window frames.)

I also had a colleague with Raynauld's - she wore fingerless gloves when teaching.

OrkneyStar

jellyhead wrote: »

I used to dream of having my own room and I envied my friends who did ... I just didn't like my sister though, it wasn't because I wanted to do homework

Sounds like the way my sister felt about me :~}

daska

FBaby wrote: »

Is there a problem with the heating in the classroom? If not, then I don't think it is unreasonable to ask that she wear proper shoes and not have gloves during class. Surely she doesn't have boots and gloves at home at all time. It sounds to me as if the issue is about what she wears when outside of the classroom. Surely she is entitled to bring boots and then change for her walk home?

I don't understand the coat business either as again, what she wears outside of the school ground is not their business, so she could wait until she reaches the gate and then wear whatever coat.

My belief is you picked that school, that means you picked its rules. No point in challenging them, better to concentrate on finding ways to suit your daughter's needs around them.

It's not uncommon for people with Raynauds to wear gloves all the time. It's not just about the ambient temperature either, drafts or shocks can trigger a reaction. I cannot see any good reason for a school to override a GP's recommendation.