Newhall Infant and Nursery School Uniform Policy

Aims

This policy aims to:

• Set out our approach to requiring a uniform that is of reasonable cost and offers the best value for money for parents and carers
• Explain how we will avoid discrimination in line with our legal duties under the Equality Act 2010
• Clarify our expectations for school uniform

Our school’s legal duties under the Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination against an individual based on the protected characteristics, which include sex, race, religion or belief, and gender reassignment.

To avoid discrimination, our school will:

• Avoid listing uniform items based on sex, to give all pupils the opportunity to wear the uniform they feel most comfortable in or that most reflects their self-identified gender
• Make sure that our uniform costs the same for all pupils
• Allow all pupils to have long hair (though we reserve the right to ask for this to be tied back)
• Allow all pupils to style their hair in the way that is appropriate for school yet makes them feel most comfortable
• Allow pupils to request changes to swimwear for religious reasons
• Allow pupils to wear headscarves and other religious or cultural symbols
• Allow for adaptations to our policy on the grounds of equality by inviting parents and pupils to explore concerns with the Principal, who can answer questions about the policy and respond to any requests

Limiting the cost of school uniform

The Education Act 2021 sets out to make school uniform costs affordable for families of all backgrounds and offer parents the best possible value for money.

We understand that items with distinctive characteristics (such as a school logo or a unique fabric/colour/design) may not always be purchased from a wide range of retailers and that requiring such items limits parents’ ability to ‘shop around’ for a low price.

We will make sure our uniform:

• Is available at a reasonable cost
• Provides the best value for money for parents/carers

To ensure compliance with our statutory duties the school will:

• • Always consider carefully whether items with distinctive characteristics are necessary
  • Limit the number of items with distinctive characteristics and, wherever possible, confine these to low-cost or long-lasting items
  • Consider cheaper alternatives to school-branded items, such as logos that can be ironed on, as long as this doesn’t compromise quality and durability
  • Avoid specific requirements for items pupils could wear on non-school days, such as coats, bags and shoes
  • Keep the number of optional branded items to a minimum, so that the school’s uniform can act as a social leveler
  • Avoid different uniform requirements for different year/class/house groups where these result in higher costs
  • Avoid different uniform requirements for extra-curricular activities
  • Consider alternative methods for signaling differences in groups for interschool competitions, such as creating posters or labels
  • Make sure that arrangements are in place for parents to buy second-hand uniform items
  • Avoid frequent changes to uniform specifications and phase changes to minimise the financial impact on parents
  • Consult with parents and pupils on any proposed significant changes to the uniform policy and carefully consider any complaints about the policy

Expectations for school uniform

Our school’s uniform:

Royal blue sweatshirt or cardigan with or without school logo

White polo shirt with school logo OR plain white polo shirt, shirt or blouse

Black / grey trousers, shorts, skirt or pinafore dress

Black school shoes (not trainers)

Small book bag

Where to purchase it:

Items of uniform without a logo can be purchased from any supermarket or high street store as well as one of the three main uniform suppliers listed below:-

The school also keeps lost property and a supply of school uniform items – please contact the school office for further information.