CLOTHING AND UNIFORM
It is the policy of the Education and Cultural Services Committee to encourage pupils to wear an acceptable form of school dress as determined by Head Teachers, School Boards and parents. In encouraging the wearing of school dress, account must be taken of any proposals to prevent any direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race or gender. Any proposal will be the subject of widespread consultation with parents and pupils.
There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in school, such as items of clothing which:
- potentially encourage factions (such as football colours);
- could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans);
- could cause health and safety difficulties, such as loose fitting clothing, dangling earrings. All jewellery must be removed prior to undertaking physical education activities
- are made from flammable material, for example shell suits in practical classes
- could cause damage to flooring;
- carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco; and
- could be used to inflict damage on other pupils or be used by others to do so.
Under no circumstances will pupils be deprived of any educational benefit as a result of not wearing uniform and, in particular, pupils will not be denied access to examinations as a result of not wearing school uniform.
Parents receiving income support, income based job seekers allowance, housing benefit or council tax rebates will normally be entitled to monetary grants for footwear and clothing for their children. Parents who are in receipt of working tax credit and/or child tax credit may be eligible, the area registration offices or the education office can provide more details. Approval of any requests for such grants made by parents in different circumstances are at the discretion of the Strategic Director - Community. Information and application forms may be obtained from schools, the education offices and the area registration services offices.
The Authority is concerned at the level of claims being received regarding the loss of pupils' clothing and/or personal belongings. Parents are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items of clothing are not brought to school.
Parents should note that the authority does not carry insurance to cover the loss of such items and any claims submitted are likely to be met only where the authority can be shown to have been negligent.
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