Carville Primary School believes that a consistent school uniform policy is vital to promote the ethos of the school and provide a sense of belonging and identity for all pupils, regardless of their protected characteristics or socio-economic circumstances.
This policy lays out the measures the school has taken to ensure a consistent, fair and
inclusive uniform policy, and to implement a uniform that reflects the needs of all pupils, and
is affordable and the best value for money for the school and pupils’ families.
We believe that pupils learn most effectively and achieve their best outcomes when they are
comfortable, able to be themselves, and dressed in such a way that sets an appropriate tone
for education.
Legal framework
This policy has due regard to all relevant legislation including, but not limited to, the following:
- Education and Inspections Act 2006
- Education Act 2011
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Equality Act 2010
- The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- Data Protection Act 2018
This policy has due regard to all relevant guidance including, but not limited to, the following:
- DfE (2021) ‘Cost of school uniforms’
- DfE (2021) ‘School Admissions Code’
- DfE (2021) ‘School uniforms’
This policy operates in conjunction with the following school policies:
- Complaints Procedures Policy
- Behaviour Policy
- LGBTQ+ Policy
- Tendering and Procurement Policy
Roles and responsibilities
The governing board is responsible for:
- Establishing, in consultation with the headteacher and school community, a practical
and smart school uniform that accurately reflects the school’s vision and values. - Ensuring that the school’s uniform is accessible and inclusive, and does not
disadvantage any pupil by virtue of their protected characteristics or socio-economic
status. - Listening to the opinions and wishes of parents, pupils and the wider school community
regarding changes to the school’s uniform. - Ensuring that the school’s uniform is accessible and affordable.
- Demonstrating how best value for money has been achieved in the uniform policy.
- Ensuring compliance with the DfE’s ‘Cost of school uniforms’ guidance.
- Processing and approving all eligible School Uniform Assistance Application Forms.
The headteacher is responsible for:
- Enforcing the school’s uniform on a day-to-day basis.
- Ensuring that teachers understand this policy and what to do if a pupil is in breach of
the policy. - Listening to the opinions and wishes of the school community in regard to the school’s
uniform and making appropriate recommendations to the governing board. - Providing pupils with an exemption letter as appropriate, e.g. for a pupil who has a
broken arm and requires a loose-fitting top.
Staff members are responsible for:
- Ensuring that pupils dress in accordance with this policy at all times.
- Disciplining pupils who are in breach of this policy.
- Ensuring that pupils understand why having a consistent and practical school uniform
is important, e.g. school identity.
Parents are responsible for:
- Providing their children with the correct school uniform as detailed in this policy.
- Informing the headteacher if their child requires a more relaxed uniform policy for a
period of time, including why. - Ensuring that their child’s uniform is clean, presentable and the correct size.
Pupils are responsible for:
- Wearing the correct uniform at all times, unless the headteacher has granted an
exemption. - Looking after their uniform as appropriate.
- Understanding and respecting why a school uniform is important to the school, e.g. school identity and community.
Cost principles
The school is committed to ensuring that its school uniform is affordable and accessible to all pupils, and does not place an unreasonable financial burden on parents. In accordance with the ‘School Admissions Code’, the headteacher will ensure that the school’s uniform policy does not discourage parents from applying for a place for their child.
The school will assess the overall cost implications of its uniform policy regularly, including prior to making any changes to the school uniform. When evaluating whether costs are reasonable and proportionate, the school will take into account the opinions and situations of:
- Economically disadvantaged parents.
- Parents with multiple children who are, or will be in the future, pupils at the school.
- Parents of younger children, as they are likely to grow quickly and require new sets of
uniform more frequently. - Parents of pupils with protected characteristics that may impact their ability to access
the uniform due to costs. - LAC and PLAC.
The school will evaluate the cost of its uniform based on the overall collection of uniform items that parents would need to purchase for a pupil, rather than on the cost effectiveness of individual items; this will include consideration of the fact that parents will need to purchase multiples of certain items, e.g. shirts and socks, to ensure their child can come to school in clean uniform every day.
The school keeps variations in school uniform for different groups of pupils, e.g. year group specific items or house colours, to a minimum where possible to ensure that pupils can get the most wear out of their uniform possible and that parents can pass some items down to younger siblings.
The school keeps branded uniform items to a minimal level that is reasonable for all members of the school community. The school defines a branded uniform item as any item of clothing that cannot be purchased at a range of retailers, including by virtue of logos, colours, design
and fabrics. Where the school decides to require an item of branded clothing, it will conduct an assessment to ensure prices are kept as low as possible, e.g. by offering sew- or iron-on logo badges for jumpers that can be bought at retailers instead of requiring special branded jumpers.
The school is committed to meeting the DfE’s recommendations on costs and value for money. Every care is taken to ensure that our uniforms are affordable for all current and prospective pupils, and that the best value for money is secured through reputable suppliers.
The school works with multiple suppliers to obtain the best value for money possible. Any savings negotiated are passed to parents where possible and does not enter into exclusive single supplier contracts or cash-back arrangements. More information on supplier processes can be found in the ‘School uniform supplier’ section of this policy.
The school will not amend uniform requirements regularly and will take the views of parents and pupils into account when considering any changes to school uniforms.
Equality principles
The school takes its legal obligation to avoid discriminating against any protected characteristic unlawfully very seriously, and aims to ensure that the uniform policy is as inclusive as possible so that all pupils are supported to access a school uniform which is comfortable, suitable for their needs, and reflects who they are.
The school will work to ensure that school uniform’s cost does not disproportionately affect any pupils by ensuring that uniforms for all genders are as equal in price as possible and by adhering to the cost principles laid out in section 3.
The school will ensure that parents and pupils are consulted over any changes to school uniform, and that views and advice is sought specifically from pupils, and parents of pupils, who:
- Are transgender, including non-binary pupils.
- Have SEND and/or sensory needs.
- Are of a religious or cultural background that has dress requirements.
The school implements a gender-neutral uniform, meaning that pupils are not required to wear specific items based on their gender, and may wear any of the uniform items listed in the ‘School uniform’ section of this policy regardless of the legal sex recorded on the school’s records. Transgender pupils are supported to access the uniform that best reflects their gender
expression in line with the LGBTQ+ Policy.
The school ensures that pupils who are required to follow certain dress requirements, e.g. by virtue of their membership of a particular religious or cultural group, are afforded flexibility to allow them to wear a uniform that adheres to their requirements as far as possible. The school
endeavours to meet all requests for amendments to the uniform for these purposes; however, will ensure that the needs and rights of individual pupils are weighed against any health and safety concerns for the entire school community.
Parents’ concerns and requests regarding religious clothing are dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the headteacher and governing board, and always in accordance with the school’s Complaints Procedures Policy.
The school ensures that the needs of pupils with SEND and/or sensory difficulties are considered in the uniform policy, e.g. ensuring soft, stretchy fabrics and avoiding intricate buttons or hard seams; however, where the needs of these pupils cannot be met in the standard uniform policy, individual adaptations to the uniform will be considered and permitted
wherever possible.
Complaints and challenges
The school endeavours to resolve all uniform complaints and challenges locally and informally, in accordance with the school’s Complaints Procedures Policy.
To make a complaint, parents should refer to the Complaints Procedures Policy and follow the stipulations outlined.
When a complaint is received, the school works with parents to arrive at a mutually acceptable outcome.
Governors are willing to consider reasonable requests for flexibility to allow a pupil to accommodate particular social and cultural circumstances.
School uniform supplier
Our current school uniform supplier is:
- Top Class Uniform (TCU Group)
- Address: 4 Moulton Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 3RL
- Tel: 0191 271 0000
- Email: sales@tcugroup.co.uk
Our school uniform supplier accepts school uniform assistance vouchers.
The governing board will ensure that a written contract is in place with the supplier for branded items.
The school will retender the uniform contract every five years, whether changes to the uniform are made or not, in line with the Tendering and Procurement Policy. The governing board will be able to demonstrate how uniform is procured at the best value for money. The headteacher will work to ensure that the items are procured as cheaply as possible without compromising on the quality, e.g. by requesting standard-style items from the supplier rather than more intricate and unique designs.
The school does not sign contracts with suppliers before requesting visualisations of proposed uniform, as well as fabric samples.
Uniform assistance
The school supports vulnerable families in meeting the costs of uniforms. School uniform assistance is provided via a voucher worth £20 that can be spent on school clothing and by providing two logo detailed purple jumpers/cardigans. The budget for the school uniform assistance scheme comes from pupil premium funds.
To claim school uniform assistance, parents should be eligible for FSM. Eligibility is determined by checking original documents from the relevant authority, detailing receipt of the benefit and the address of the pupil.
Families who meet the criteria should complete the School Uniform Assistance Application Form and return it to the school office.
The school holds second-hand school uniforms for parents and pupils to access; access to these uniforms is available upon request and will be provided to children who regularly attend without uniform. Parents are invited to donate their child’s uniform when they no longer need it.
Non-compliance
Staff members are permitted to discipline pupils for breaching this policy, in accordance with the school’s Behaviour Policy.
The headteacher, or a person authorised by the headteacher, is permitted to ask a pupil to briefly go home to remedy breaches to the school’s uniform.
When deciding whether to allow a pupil to return home, the school considers the pupil’s age and vulnerability, the length of time it will take, and the availability of the pupil’s parents.
Where a pupil has been sent home to rectify uniform breaches, the absence is recorded as
‘authorised’.
If a pupil repeatedly breaches uniform rules, or takes longer than necessary to rectify the absence, the absence is counted as ‘unauthorised’.
Parents will be notified in all cases.
School uniform
Clothing
The school uniform is as follows:
Regular uniform
| Item | Optional or required | Branding | How to acquire | Cost per item from school / supplier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purple sweatshirt or purple cardigan | Required (branding optional) | School logo on left- hand side or plain purple | Branded sweatshirt and cardigan available from school office or TCU. Purple sweatshirt or cardigan can be bought from regular retailers. | Jumper £9.50 - £12 Cardigan £11.50 - £14.50 |
| White polo shirt | Required (branding optional) | School logo on left- hand side or plain white | Available from TCU. Plain white available from regular retailers. | £7.50 - £9.50 |
| Purple Mistral Jacket | Optional | School logo on left- hand side | Available from TCU | £20.00 - £24.00 |
| Grey or black trousers or skirt | Required | No branding | Available from regular retailers. | N/A |
| Sensible, plain black shoes or dark trainers | Required | No branding | Available from regular retailers. | N/A |
| Summer slip dress (grey or purple gingham check) | Optional (summer only) | No branding | Available from regular retailers. | N/A |
PE kit
| Item | Optional or required | Branding | How to acquire | Cost per item from school / supplier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain white t- shirt | Optional | School logo on left- hand side or plain white | Available from TCU. Plain white available from regular retailers. | £4.50 - £5.00 |
| Plain black shorts, jogging bottoms or leggings | Optional | No branding | Available from regular retailers. | N/A |
Accessories
| Item | Optional or required | Branding | How to acquire | Cost per item from school / supplier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carville Primary book bag | Optional | School logo | Available from school office or TCU. | £7.20 |
| Carville Primary PE Bag | Optional | School logo | Available from TCU. | £4.00 |
High heels are not permitted; however, block heels of no more than 2 cm can be worn.
Skirts must be of an appropriate length. Jeans are not permitted.
Parents who do not wish to buy the optional branded PE kit must acquire a PE kit meeting the following criteria:
- Plain T-shirt with no branding or logos from professional sports teams
- Plain shorts or tracksuit bottoms with no branding or logos from professional sports
teams - Suitable trainers
- Suitable sports footwear, e.g. football boots
Parents are responsible for ensuring their child brings their PE kit to school when needed.
Jewellery
Permitted jewellery that may be worn is:
- One pair of stud earrings – no other piercings are permitted.
- A smart and sensible wrist watch.
Jewellery is the responsibility of the pupil and not the school. Lost or damaged items will not be refunded. All jewellery must be removed during practical lessons, including PE lessons.
School bag
Pupils must use an appropriately sized waterproof bag to carry their books and equipment. It should hold A4-sized work books comfortably without causing any damage.
School bags featuring inappropriate images, slogans or phrases are not permitted.
The school encourages pupils to bring non-valuable bags to school. The school will not be liable for lost or damaged school bags.
A reading book bag will be provided for every child on entering school.
Hairstyles
The school reserves the right to make a judgement on where pupils’ hairstyles or hair colours are inappropriate for the school environment; however, will ensure that any such judgements do not discriminate against any pupil by virtue of their protected characteristics. Each individual pupil’s scenario will be taken into account where any judgements on
appropriateness are to be made, and parents will always have the freedom to complain via the school’s Complaints Procedures Policy.
Pupils with long hair must ensure that this does not impede their vision, cover their face or provide a health and safety risk. Long hair must be tied up during practical lessons, e.g. during PE.
The following hairstyles are not considered appropriate for school:
- Brightly-coloured, dyed hair.
- Excessive hair accessories.
Makeup
Pupils wearing makeup are required to remove it or, if more appropriate, someone from home
will be invited to school to remove it.
Adverse weather
All pupils are required to wear weather-appropriate clothing that covers as much of their skin as possible during adverse weather.
For hot temperatures, this includes wearing:
- Loose-fitting and lightweight shirts and dresses with sleeves and collars or covered
necklines. - Over the knee skirts, shorts or trousers.
- Tops that cover the shoulder area.
- Sunglasses with UV protection when outside, where possible.
Pupils are advised not to wear any jumpers or blazers during heatwaves. If outside during
break times, pupils not wearing sun-safe clothing are advised to stay in an area protected from
the sun, or spare clothing is provided.
For cold temperatures, this includes wearing: - Scarfs, gloves, coats and hats when they are outside.
- Warm jumpers that conform to the school’s uniform policy.
- Trousers, or thick tights with skirts.
Labelling
All pupils’ clothing and footwear is clearly labelled with their name. Any lost clothing is be taken to the lost property box. All lost property is retained for one week and is disposed of if it is not collected within this time.
Monitoring and review
This policy is reviewed every two years by the Headteacher on behalf of the governing body. The scheduled review date for this policy is January 2024.
School Uniform Assistance
Children who attend Carville Primary School are eligible for school uniform assistance if they receive means tested Free School Meals.
This scheme is open to children from Reception to year 6. The allowance isfor buying suitable school wear and is paid once a year.
