School Clothing Guidance

Clothing and PE Guidance

Dear Parents and Carers,

At Educate Together, we want children to be themselves, to feel comfortable with who they are and to be free to express their individuality through what they wear. As part of our curriculum and ethos, children are taught to respect and celebrate each other’s individuality and differences.

We do not have a school uniform. We recognise that there is limited research evidence to conclusively demonstrate that wearing a school uniform has a positive or negative impact on pupils’ behaviour or learning. We are also mindful of the financial pressures that a strict or prescribed school uniform can place on families.

However, we do expect children to come to school dressed sensibly, safely and practically. Our clothing guidance helps us to ensure that:

children can access the full curriculum, including active learning and play;
children are safe throughout the school day;
clothing is appropriate for a primary school environment; and
the rights, identities and beliefs of everyone in our school community are respected.
Comfortable and Practical
Clothing should be comfortable, easy for children to manage independently and allow them to move freely so that they can participate fully in learning, play and physical activity.

Clothing should also be appropriate for the weather. During colder months, children may need a coat, hat, scarf and gloves. During warmer weather, we encourage suitable sun protection, including sunhats and sunglasses where appropriate.

Examples of clothing that may not be suitable for school include: clothing that significantly restricts movement, loose-fitting or insecure footwear, backless or open-toed footwear, pyjamas or fancy dress unless these are part of a specific school event.

Safe

Children should wear clothing, footwear and accessories that are safe for themselves and others.

Watches, small stud earrings and religious items required as part of a child's faith or belief can be worn, subject to appropriate health and safety considerations.

Examples of items that are not suitable for school include: necklaces or other jewellery that could present a safety risk, hooped or dangling earrings, footwear with heels or wheels, false nails, and smart watches with camera facilities and/or independent access to the internet.

For PE and other physical activities, jewellery may need to be removed or appropriately covered in line with health and safety requirements.

Appropriate and Respectful
Clothing should be appropriate for a primary school environment and should respect the diverse community to which we all belong.

Clothing should not contain words, images or logos that are offensive, discriminatory, intimidating or otherwise inappropriate for children. Clothing should provide appropriate coverage for participation in school activities.

Examples of clothing or items that are not suitable for school include: offensive or discriminatory words, images or logos; clothing that leaves the midriff uncovered; very short bottoms; clothing where underwear is clearly visible; and clothing that does not provide appropriate coverage for normal school activities.

We also ask that children do not wear make-up or false nails to school.

PE Days

On PE days, children should come to school wearing clothing that allows them to participate safely and comfortably in physical activity.

Children should wear:

a comfortable, loose-fitting or appropriately flexible top;
shorts, leggings or jogging bottoms that allow a full range of movement; and
suitable sports footwear, such as trainers.
For health and safety reasons, jewellery should not be worn during PE. Ear studs should therefore be removed wherever possible. Where this is not possible, arrangements should be discussed with the school in line with our PE health and safety procedures.

Working Together

Our aim is not to prescribe what children should wear, but to ensure that every child can be themselves while being safe, comfortable and ready to learn.

We appreciate families supporting these expectations. If there are religious, cultural, SEND, sensory, medical or other individual circumstances that mean a child needs reasonable flexibility around this guidance, please speak to your child's class teacher or a member of the school team.

Thank you for helping us maintain an inclusive, safe and respectful school community.

Redfield Educate Together Primary Academy