Uniform
Introduction
It is our policy that all children should wear school uniform when attending school, or when participating in a school organised event outside normal school hours. We provide a complete list of the items needed for school uniform within this policy. The policy specifies exactly what choices there are and what we recommend that pupils should wear. This policy is also included in our school prospectus.
We request that before purchasing any item that is not specifically listed that you check with school to ensure suitability. It is our aim to keep our uniform consistent. We ask that all parents support our effort to make all aspects of our school outstanding and we believe, as far as possible, a strict adherence to our uniform policy helps.
Aims and Objectives
Our policy is based on the notion that a school uniform:
- Promotes a sense of pride in the school
- Engenders a feeling of community and belonging
- Supports positive behaviour and discipline
- Is practical and smart
- Identifies the children with the school, and encourages identity with the school
- Makes children feel equal to their peers in terms of appearance
- Prevents children coming to school in fashion or ‘designer’ label clothes that could be distracting in class or create a sense of competition
- Is regarded as suitable and good value for money by parents.
The Role of Parents
We ask all parents who send their children to our school to support the school uniform policy.
The school welcomes children from all backgrounds and faith communities. If there are strong reasons, e.g. on religious grounds, why parents want their child to wear clothes that differ from school uniform, the school will give consideration to such requests. Similarly, should an item of school uniform prove problematic for a pupil with disabilities then parents are invited to draw this to the attention of the principal.
The Role of Directors
The Directors support the principal in implementing the school uniform policy and liaises with the principal to ensure that the policy is implemented fairly and with sensitivity.
It is the Directors’ responsibility to ensure the school uniform meets all national regulations concerning equal opportunities and that our school uniform policy is consistent with our policy on equal opportunities. Directors ensure that the school uniform policy helps children to dress sensibly, in clothing that is hardwearing, safe and practical.
Jewellery
On health and safety grounds we do not allow children to wear jewellery in our school. The exception to this rule is the wearing of a watch. Smart watches are not permitted.
Extreme Haircuts and General Appearance
The school does not permit children to have haircuts that could serve as a distraction to other children, or to wear hair gel at any time. Parents should also be aware that hair braids with beads, nail varnish or any other form of make-up are not permitted. Hair should be of a ’natural’ colour. Long hair should be tied up and ribbons, bobbles, hair bands and slides should be simple in style and only in the school colours. Short hair should be no shorter than a ‘No 3’ and should not have ‘fashion’ markings shaved into it (e.g. tram-lines).
Footwear
Children should wear black shoes in school (not trainers or boots). We believe that it is dangerous for children to wear shoes with platform soles, open toed sandals, or high heels in school, so we do not allow this. (Boots can be worn in the winter months to and from school, where they are both practical and necessary, then change into shoes inside the building). Our school promotes the use of practical shoes that are well maintained and reflect our commitment to smart appearance and pride in school identity.
Uniform
The St Mary’s Catholic Primary School uniform can be purchased from the school supplier. It is essential that all uniform is named. Uniform can be obtained from
Lads & Lasses School Wear: https://www.ladsandlassesschoolwear.co.uk/
Crested School wear: https://www.crestedschoolwear.co.uk/
Details for the boy’s uniform:
Grey trousers: long/short
Pale Blue shirt
St. Mary's school tie
Navy blue sweatshirt with St Mary’s school badge
Grey/black socks
Black school shoes
Dark coats/fleeces
Details for the girl’s uniform:
Pale Blue shirt
St. Mary's school tie
Navy blue trousers/knee length skirt/pinafore (for winter wear)
Navy blue cardigan/sweatshirt with St Mary’s school badge
Navy blue long/short socks/tights
Black school shoes
Dark coloured coats/ fleeces
In the summer term girls can wear the blue & white square check summer dresses.
Clothing for PE/Games
Navy Blue shorts
Pale Blue ‘T’ shirts with school badge/or plain blue t-shirt.
Black pumps and trainers for outside
Navy blue sweatshirts, jogging bottoms/leggings and fleeces can be worn during the winter months.
Swimming
Please ensure children have the correct swimming costume: Swimming trunks - no long swimming shorts
Swimming costume (1 piece) for girls.
Hat for both boys and girls
Towel
Other
Art shirt: An old shirt is essential for practical art activities
Forest school: Waterproof trousers and Coat, spare trainers/wellies.
(Autumn 2023 Class 2 and 3 will be taking part in forest school on Tuesday afternoons).
School Bags
Reading book bags are available for pupils in Reception Class and Key Stage 1.
Children in Key Stage 2 should bring a small suitable bag to school in which to put their homework, reading book and lunch box.
Extreme Weather
Children should dress appropriately for extreme weather conditions. In the summer it is vital that children have a protective sun hat or cap. Sun cream should be applied to children before they arrive at school on hot summer days. Boots and sufficiently warm waterproof coats should be provided in extremely wet or snowy weather to travel to school and for use at playtime only. School shoes must be worn in class.
As outdoor play is a vital part of the Early Years curriculum, the children in the Early Years Foundation Stage should be dressed appropriately for all kinds of weather. Although we have shelter, it is important to provide an appropriate raincoat for wet and cold days. Hats, gloves and Wellington boots would also be items of clothing that we recommend could be provided for the children.
Lost Property
In order to return lost property, all uniform, including shoes, PE kits and personal items should be clearly marked with the child’s name.
