Uniform Policy

At Thames Ditton Infant School we expect all children to wear uniform. We believe this shared identity gives children a sense of belonging and helps them to take pride in the school and in their appearance. Our school uniform policy has been reviewed to take into consideration the DfE's guidance on the cost of school uniforms.

Our policy on school uniform is based on the belief that our children are pleased to wear a uniform that:

• promotes a sense of pride in our school
• helps to create a sense of community and belonging towards the school
• identifies pupils to our school
• supports the school's commitment to inclusion
• is considered to be good value for money
• is practical, smart, and designed with health and safety in mind

Equality

The uniform options set out in our policy are gender neutral and it is not specified what items boys or girls should or should not wear within the permitted list.

We recognise that for some of our families, religions or beliefs may require conformity to a particular dress code and we are sensitive to this.  We believe that most requirements can be well met within our policy and we always aim to accommodate these, showing flexibility where there is a genuine reason to do so.  However, it is important that any adaptations agreed do not compromise genuine health and safety concerns, and therefore we welcome any conversations with parents to discuss and agree adaptations.  

We also recognise that reasonable adjustments might need to be made for a pupil with a disability or special educational need and there is flexibility within our policy for this.  Parents are invited to discuss any adaptations that may be required with the school.

Uniform Requirements

Careful consideration has been taken regarding the cost and availability of our uniform for parents.  Uniform with the school embroidered logo (optional) can be purchased  from M&S School Uniform, and this has been specifically chosen as representing good value for money.  It is a matter of choice if you purchase uniform with a logo on.  Other uniform items are widely available, at very competitive prices, at local shops including supermarkets.  

The uniform options are not gender-specific. All options are available to all children.

Summer uniform may be worn from Easter through to October half term.

Children should not wear jewellery in school, but pupils with pierced ears may wear studs.  However, these must be removed before PE/Swimming (Yr2) lessons and other sporting activities on safety grounds. Staff are unable to assist pupils in removal of these. If these are not removed then the pupil will not be able to participate in the discipline.

Long hair should be tied back at all times with plain bands, ribbons or scrunches.   Hair accessories should not have large flowers, bows or other decorations attached.

Please ensure that all items of clothing and any other property brought into school is clearly marked with your child’s name.  The school recommends that clear woven labels or adhesive name stickers should be used where possible.  If you choose to order name labels from Stikins then the school will receive a small commission, please use the code 35670 when placing an order.

Partnership with Parents

It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their child has the correct uniform and PE kit, and that it is clean, in good repair and that the child's name is visibly labelled on all items.  If a parent has difficulties for any reason with the purchase of their child's uniform, they are asked to speak confidentially to the school office team who would be pleased to assist in any way they can.

The Role of Governors

The Governing Body supports the Head Teacher in implementing the school uniform policy.  They liaise with the Head Teacher to ensure that the policy is implemented fairly and with sensitivity.  The Governing Body monitors and reviews the school uniform policy through its committee work to ensure that the policy aims are being met and that good procurement practices are followed for branded school items.

Requirements & Suppliers

We have ensured that our uniform requirements are in-line with recent government guidance on the affordability of school uniforms and have minimised the requirement for branded items. On our uniform list we have clearly indicated where items can be unbranded and bought from most retailers.

We encourage the selling and buying of pre-loved items through the Friends of TDIS, uniform enquiries can be made via pam.vennings@yahoo.com. Clean donations can be deposited in the small blue wheelie bin just inside the school gate or brought to the school office.

From time to time we get notifications from our supplier, M&S, who run discount promotions and this is shared with current and prospective families so they can take advantage of this discount on branded and unbranded items.