School uniform and clothing: a summary of guidance for schools and education authorities

Other considerations

In addition to the key considerations set out above, schools should consider the following areas.

Physical activity, physical education and sport

Clothing and footwear should be fit for purpose, take account of the learning environment, weather conditions and the activity taking place, to support pupils to take part in activities safely and comfortably. Schools should ensure that their approach to clothing and footwear for physical activity, physical education and sport aligns to the measures set out to support affordability, sustainability and inclusion, equality and diversity.

Weather and seasonal suitability

Schools should have policies that are flexible and take account of seasonal or weather changes to ensure that pupils are warm, dry, and comfortable throughout the year and can participate fully at school. Schools should have a flexible policy for outdoor clothing and footwear which promotes comfort, safety, practicality, outdoor learning and active travel.

Dress down days and special occasions

Schools should do all that they can to ensure that special occasions, events and school trips are sustainable, inclusive, non-discriminatory and affordable for all pupils. Schools should consider the number of events that take place during the school year and whether these can be limited or spaced out. Schools should consider alternative ways to mark these events that do not put financial pressure on families and risk non-participation for some pupils. Further information for schools is available in the EIS Briefing on the Equity Impact of School Activities, Child Poverty Action Group’s report on The Cost of Having Fun at School | CPAG and Education Scotland’s Practical Guidance on Outdoor Learning.

Information

Schools should provide clear, accessible information to pupils, parents and carers about their school uniform and clothing policy. This information should be shared in a range of ways and should include a point of contact in school if individuals have any questions or concerns. Schools should regularly share information about pre-loved clothing initiatives and provide parents and carers with appropriate information about the school clothing grant and other available support.

Consultation

Schools should limit the frequency of changes to their uniform and clothing policy. When considering changes, schools should always consult with pupils, parents, carers and others in the school community. Parent Councils play a key part in consultation and can support schools to engage with a range of groups, in a range of ways, to ensure a variety and diverse range of views are gathered.

Where schools are considering changes to their uniform or clothing policy, they must consider their legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 alongside the impact changes may have in terms of affordability, sustainability and inclusion. Schools should carefully consider the balance between the intended positive impact of the change with any negative consequences which could arise, to determine if change is necessary. Where there is a potential negative impact, schools should take appropriate action to mitigate this. Where, following consultation, schools do make changes to their uniform or clothing policy they should include a transition period of a minimum of one full school year and consider if items from the previous policy can be incorporated.

Complaints

Good communication with pupils, parents and carers is key to effective implementation of clothing and uniform policies and can support the prompt resolution of complaints or concerns. Where concerns or complaints do arise, these should be dealt with in line with local complaint procedures. Where appropriate, schools should continue to engage positively with pupils, parents and carers to try to resolve concerns or complaints with minimal disruption to learning.

Supporting and encouraging pupils to actively and safely participate at school

Schools should take a sensitive and pragmatic approach to implementing their uniform and clothing policy, underpinned by an inclusive approach which takes account of the individual needs, circumstances and identity of pupils. Care should be taken to avoid making assumptions about a pupil who is not wearing school uniform. Schools should consider whether there are underlying factors impacting a pupil or their attendance at school and where appropriate, take supportive action to address these, in line with their broader legal duties.

Pupils should be supported and encouraged to observe a school’s uniform or clothing policy, but they should not face negative consequences if they are unable to do so. Schools should not prevent any pupil from participating in an activity or subject due to their clothing or footwear, unless their participation would present a risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of pupils and staff. Pupils who are unable to observe a school’s uniform or clothing policy should never be excluded from school for this reason. The response to non-wearing of uniform should be aligned to schools’ broader policies to support relationships and behaviour, promote attendance and reduce absence. Teachers and school staff should be supported to implement a whole school approach to promoting positive relationships and behaviour, aligned to the guiding principles of Included, Engaged and Involved (part 2).

Signposting families to sources of support

School clothing grant is available to eligible families to help with the cost of clothing and footwear for school. Schools should widely promote the availability of the grant and its eligibility criteria to their families. Where appropriate, schools should offer support to families to apply for it.

Schools should also consider whether there are other sources of financial support available to parents and carers, and work with partners to provide clear, accessible and up-to-date information about benefits, money advice and income maximisation services in their local community. An overview of financial support available to families can be found here: Financial support and benefits for families | Parent Club.