Uniform Policy
Uniform Policy
Policy details
- Date created - October 2024
- Date reviewed - October 2024
- Next review date -October 2025
- Policy owner -Samantha Jones
Contents
1. Aims………………………………………………………………………….. 2
2. Our school’s legal duties under the Equality Act 2010…………………. 2
3. Limiting the cost of school uniform………………………………………. 3
4. Expectations for school uniform…………………………………………… 4
5. Expectations for our school community……………………………………6
6. Monitoring arrangements. …………………………………………………. 6
1. 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
2. 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 age, sex, disability, race, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, 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 a way that is appropriate for school and makes them feel most comfortable
Allow pupils to request changes to swimwear for religious reasons or if they are experiencing discomfort related to their sex, gender or gender reassignment
Allow pupils to wear headscarves and/or other religious garments
Allow pupils with sensory or physical needs to make reasonable adaptations to their uniform depending on their specific needs
Allow for reasonable adaptations to our policy on the grounds of equality by asking pupils or their parents/carers to get in touch with, who can answer questions about the policy and respond to any requests. These will be considered on a case-by-case basis
3. Limiting the cost of school uniform
Our school has a duty to make sure that the uniform we require is affordable, in line with statutory guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) on the cost of school uniform.
We understand that items with distinctive characteristics (such as branded items, or items that need to have a school logo or a unique fabric/colour/design) cannot be purchased from a wide range of retailers and that requiring many such items limits parents/carers’ 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
We will do this by:
Carefully considering whether any items with distinctive characteristics are necessary
Limiting any items with distinctive characteristics where possible
Avoiding specific requirements for items pupils could wear on non-school days, such as coats, bags and shoes
Keeping the number of optional branded items to a minimum, so that the school’s uniform can act as a social leveller
Avoiding different uniform requirements for different year/class/house groups
Avoiding different uniform requirements for extra-curricular activities
Considering alternative methods for signalling differences in groups for inter school competitions, such as creating posters or labels
Making sure that arrangements are in place for parents/carers to acquire second-hand uniform items
Avoiding frequent changes to uniform specifications and minimising the financial impact on parents/carers of any changes
Consulting with parents/carers and pupils on any proposed significant changes to the uniform policy and carefully considering any complaints about the policy
4. Expectations for school uniform
4.1 Our school’s uniform
Co-op Academy Delius
At Co-op Academy Delius School uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to our ethos and sense of pride. Uniform shows that we are a community. Wearing it says we are all in this together. School uniform is compulsory for all new children from September 2024.
Why do we wear school uniform:
Uniform:
- Is a signifier that your child is going to school.
- Reinforces the structures and routines that many of our children need to feel less anxious.
- Gives your child a sense of belonging.
Everyday Uniform at Co-op Academy Delius consists of:
- Sweatshirt with logo
- Polo shirt with logo
- T-shirt with logo
We are flexible about the trousers/skirts/shoes your child wears as we recognise that children need to feel comfortable and that tricky fastenings may hinder developing life skills
Swimming Kit
Please ensure your child brings appropriate swimwear and towel for the days they participate in swimming activities.
Summer Uniform
- A sun hat to protect from the sun
- Cool clothing
- Layers for days when the weather is changeable
Winter Uniform
- Hat,scarf and gloves
- Warm winter coat which fastens
- Waterproof footwear
- Wear layers as the school building is very warm throughout the year
4.2 Where to purchase our Uniform
Parents/Carers can order and buy new school uniform in a number of ways;
- In the Academy office
- By calling the Academy office on 01274 666472
- By emailing the Academy office at office@coopacademies.co.uk
Payments can be made at the Academy office by card.
Alternatively school uniform can be ordered online via our school website or by clicking on the link below:
https://schoolwearexpress.co.uk/product-category/co-op-academy-delius/
There are various items on the website available to purchase. It is entirely up to you as to what you decide to buy. Like all internet purchases you choose your goods, pay online and they are delivered directly to your home.
We have seen a sample of the polo shirt and sweatshirt, both of which have been washed and dried in school. The burgundy colour of the sweatshirt does not bleed into the white logo, however we recommend that you buy a size bigger when purchasing the sweatshirt. The polo shirt is true to age size.
Pupils who receive Pupil Premium Funding receive:
- 2 polo shirts
- 2 jumpers or cardigans.
Co-op Academy Delius - Nearly New Uniform
We are in regular receipt of good quality nearly new uniform from parents/carers of children who have outgrown their uniform or moved on to another school. Nearly new uniform is available from the school office, is subject to availability and a small donation to Friends of Delius school fund.
The academy office welcomes donations of nearly new uniform throughout the year.
5. Expectations for our school community
5.1 Pupils
Pupils are expected to wear the correct uniform at all times (other than specified non-school uniform days) while:
On the school premises
Travelling to and from school
At out-of-school events or on trips that are organised by the school, or where they are representing the school (if required)
5.2 Parents and carers
Parents and carers are expected to make sure their child has the correct uniform and that every item is:
Clean
Clearly labelled with the child’s name
In good condition
Parents/carers are also expected to contact the Headteacher via the school office if they want to request an amendment to the uniform policy in relation to:
Their child’s protected characteristics
The cost of the uniform
Parents/carers are expected to lodge any complaints or objections relating to the school uniform in a timely and reasonable manner.
Disputes about the cost of the school uniform will be:
Resolved locally
Dealt with in accordance with our school’s complaints policy
The school will work closely with parents/carers to arrive at a mutually acceptable outcome.
5.3 Staff
Staff will closely monitor pupils to make sure they are in the correct uniform. They will give any pupils and families breaching the uniform policy the opportunity to comply, but will follow up with the headteacher if the situation doesn’t improve.
In cases where it is suspected that financial hardship has resulted in a pupil not complying with this uniform policy, staff will take a mindful and considerate approach to resolving the situation.
6. Monitoring arrangements
This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis by Samantha Jones, Business Manager and approved by the Senior Leadership Team.