School uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to the ethos of the school and sets an appropriate tone. The DfE (Department for Education) strongly encourages schools to have a uniform as it instils pride; supports positive behaviour and discipline; encourages identity with, and supports, school ethos; ensures pupils of all races and backgrounds feel welcome; protects children from social pressures to dress in a particular way; and nurtures cohesion and promotes good relations between different groups of pupils. Above all, school uniform supports effective teaching and learning.

(DfE guidance for schools – Oct 2007)

Alban Wood Primary School is proud of its identity and children are expected to wear the school uniform when attending school or when participating in a school organised events outside normal school hours.

Our policy for school uniform is based on the notion that school uniform:

·          Promotes a sense of pride in the school

·          Engenders a sense of community and belonging   toward the school

·          Is practical and smart

·          Makes children feel equal to their peers in terms of appearance

·          Is regarded as suitable wear for school and is considered by parents as good value for money

·          Is designed with health and safety in mind

The uniform consists of these items of clothing.

Long hair – tied back for health and safety reasons, hair accessories should be in the school colours

Other issues – no hair colour or shaved patterns in hair, no body paint or transfers, no nail varnish or make up.

The school wants all children to grow into healthy adults. We believe that it is dangerous for children to wear shoes that have platform soles or high heels and we strongly discourage the wearing of such.

Children are discouraged from wearing jewellery to school. It presents a real danger in PE lessons and must be removed or covered with tape. Watches may be worn but we do not accept responsibility if they are misplaced or broken. If your child has pierced ears, ONLY small, plain studs are acceptable and are at your risk.

·          To wear their school uniform with pride.

·          To look after their belongings and keep their cloakroom areas tidy.

·          We ask all parents who send their children to our school to support the school uniform policy.

·          It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their child has the correct uniform and that it is clean and in good repair .   

·          Please mark EVERYTHING with the child’s name (unmarked items are rarely returned to the owner).

·          It is governors’ responsibility to ensure that the school uniform meets all the regulations concerning equal opportunities.

·          The governing body will consider, with the headteacher, any requests from parents for individual children to have special dispensation, either for religious or medical reasons, with regard to school uniform.

·          The governing body decide on the uniform policy and it is the headteacher’s responsibility to make sure pupils keep to the rules. If you have any complaints about the uniform policy, talk to the school governing body.