School uniform and clothing: Guidance for schools and education authorities

Involving children and young people

As part of a rights-based approach, schools must ensure that the views of pupils are heard and taken into account in the design, implementation and review of school uniform and clothing policies.

What have pupils told us?

Pupils have told us^[6] that they want to be free to move and play as well as be comfortable to help them enjoy their learning. They told us that it is important that the clothes they wear to school suit the weather and are comfortable and practical to allow them to participate in all types of activities at school. Some pupils spoke about feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious in some types of clothing or feeling insecure or embarrassed when wearing clothing made from thinner materials, such as shirts. Others expressed worries that they might be made fun of for how they look, and that this may prevent them from wanting to wear certain things or participate in certain activities. Some pupils spoke about clothing being restrictive and impacting on their ability to participate in learning or play. Other pupils also spoke about the importance of being able to express themselves and develop their own identity. A number of pupils highlighted the cost of uniform and wanted it to be inexpensive and easy for their families to buy. Many pupils felt that giving them a choice in the uniform and clothing they wear and involving them in decisions and discussions about schools’ policies were key to supporting their wellbeing and comfort. They also thought that there should not be negative consequences for those not wearing uniform recognising that the reasons for this might be outwith their control.

It is vital that schools create meaningful opportunities to involve pupils in decisions and discussions about their uniform and clothing policies. Schools should support pupils to share their views about the design and style of uniform and clothing and support discussions about affordable and sustainable approaches which meet the needs of pupils and the wider school community. As part of an inclusive and equitable culture, ongoing engagement with pupils is essential to identify and address any barriers that they face to clothing or uniform.

There are many ways in which schools can engage meaningfully with their pupils on these issues. Schools are best placed to decide on the approach that will work best for their pupils. In doing so, schools should make sure that their approach is inclusive of pupils with a range of lived experience and that it is flexible to address barriers to participation.

The Scottish Government has developed guidance to support the involvement of children and young people in decision making. This is available here: Decision-making: children and young people's participation - gov.scot (www.gov.scot). Children in Scotland have also produced a resource to support meaningful participation and engagement of children and young people. This is available here: Meaningful Participation and Engagement of Children and Young People.

Alongside engagement with pupils, education authorities and schools should engage with parents and carers, including any Parent Council where applicable, when considering uniform and clothing policies. Further information on this is available in the consultation section of this guidance.