School uniform: consultation analysis

Conclusions

The responses to this consultation clearly demonstrate that school uniform is an important issue for families, schools, local authorities, community groups, third sector organisations, suppliers and other stakeholders. We would like to thank all those who responded to the consultation.

The consultation provided an opportunity to influence the development of national policy and guidance on school uniform. It asked for views on uniform policy, including what should be included within guidance, the role that school uniform plays within day-to-day school life, how best to reduce the cost of school uniforms, and views on draft principles that could be incorporated into national guidance.

The aim of this guidance will be to support local authorities and schools to develop and implement their own uniform policies, seeking to address equalities issues and reduce the cost of school uniform.

As set out in the consultation paper, there were certain matters which were already established as being part of the scope of the guidance. These included: affordability of school uniform; equalities considerations, aligned to protected characteristics; clothing and equipment for PE, physical activity and sport; and the use of exclusion as a compliance measure.

Evidence from the consultation emphasises the importance of considering these matters in the development of uniform policy and guidance. It also highlighted further areas which should be considered to achieve the aims of addressing equalities issues related to school uniform policy and reducing the cost of uniform for families. This includes matters related to comfort, wellbeing, inclusion, and appropriate measures to respond to non-wearing of uniform, recognising the ethos and culture of schools and promoting attendance and reducing absence.

The consultation with children and young people highlighted similar themes. Responses focused on comfort, cost, identity, choice, safety, consequences, and gender. There were a range of views expressed through the engagement with children and young people in relation to these matters. However, there was a common thread of children and young people "wanting to be free to move and play as well as be comfortable to enable them to enjoy learning."

A working group has been established to support development of national guidance on school uniform. The working group includes representation from a range of organisations, including Scottish Government, Local Government, children and young people, parents and carers, professionals, school wear representatives and relevant interest groups.

The issues highlighted by this consultation and through the engagement with children and young people will be given careful consideration by the working group. Evidence from the consultations will directly support the development of national guidance on school uniform, seeking to address issues that are important for children and young people, parents and carers, schools, local authorities and other stakeholders. The guidance will be introduced in due course.