Co-op Academy Brownhill Uniform Policy

Aims 

• 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 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 pupils to request changes to swimwear for religious reasons
• Allow pupils to wear headscarves although these should be in school colours (Navy Blue or Black) and other religious or cultural symbols
• Allow for adaptations to our policy on the grounds of equality by asking pupils or their parents to get in touch with Nicola McDonald 01132489539, who can answer questions about the policy and respond to any requests  

 Limiting the cost of school uniform

Our school has a duty to ensure that the uniform we require is affordable, in accordance with statutory guidance from the Department for Education on the cost of school uniforms.

We understand that items with distinctive characteristics (such as branded items or items that have 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’ 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 by accepting that all items must be of a chosen colour but not necessarily need the school logo. This will be optional for all our requested uniform items.
• 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 extra-curricular activities
•   Making sure that arrangements are in place for parents to acquire second-hand uniform items
•   Avoiding frequent changes to uniform specifications and minimising the financial impact on parents of any changes
•  Consulting with parents and pupils on any proposed significant changes to the uniform policy and carefully considering any complaints about the policy

Our day-to-day uniform for children in reception to year 6:

• Navy blue jumper or cardigan, with or without the school logo
• Trousers or skirt in grey, black
• Polo shirt or shirt in white
• Black smart shoes or trainers, flat with no heels
• Head scarves in navy blue, and black.Summer uniform

Our day-to-day uniform in summer, with the following options:

• Blue check dress
• Shorts in grey or black
• Sun hats, the ones with a neck protector, are the best

P.E. uniform

• White T-shirt, plain or with our logo
• Navy or black shorts, leggings or jogging bottoms
• Trainers (or suitable footwear for sports)
• Round neck blue jumper or tracksuit top in blue for outdoors. without logo’s

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)

Pupils are also expected to contact Nicola McDonald on 01132489539 if they want to request an amendment to the uniform policy regarding their protected characteristics.

5.2 Parents and Carers

Parents and carers are expected to make sure their child has the correct uniform and PE kit and that every item is:

Clearly labelled with the child’s name

In good condition

Parents are also expected to contact Nicola McDonald 01132489539 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 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

This was dealt with in accordance with our school’s complaints policy. The school will work closely with parents 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.

Ongoing breaches of our uniform policy will be dealt with by the headteacher

In cases where it is suspected that financial hardship has prevented a pupil from complying with this uniform policy, staff will take a mindful and considerate approach to resolving the situation.

5.4 Governors

The governing board will review this policy and make sure that it:

Is appropriate for our school’s context

Is implemented fairly across the school

Takes into account the views of parents and pupils

Offers a uniform that is appropriate, practical and safe for all pupils  

7. Links to other policies

This policy is linked to our:

Behaviour policy

Equality information and objectives statement

Anti-bullying policy

Complaints policy