SCHOOL UNIFORM

At English Martyrs’ Catholic Primary School, we respect and value all children and are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our pupils so they can learn, in a relaxed and secure atmosphere.  We believe every pupil should be able to participate in all school activities in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from harm.  This is the responsibility of every adult employed by, or invited to deliver services at English Martyrs’ Catholic Primary School. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard all who access school and promote the welfare of all our pupils by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and bullying.

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1. Introduction:

1.1. The Department for Education (DfE) strongly encourages schools to have a school uniform. This policy sets out the school's policy and approach on uniform and confirms the school's commitment to providing value for money to parents and ensuring that no pupil is discriminated against due to their gender, disability, religion or belief, economic circumstances or social and cultural background.

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewellery or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." I Peter 3:3-4

 

1.2. The school uniform helps ensure that pupils of all races and backgrounds feel welcome. It helps to protect children from social pressures to dress in a particular way; and nurtures cohesion, promoting good relations between different groups of pupils. Above all, the school uniform supports effective teaching and learning.

1.3. This policy follows the DfE statutory guidance 'Cost of school uniforms', published 19 November 2021.

 

2. Aims and Objectives:

2.1. Our policy is based on the notion that school uniform:

2.1.1. promotes a sense of pride in the school in line with our ethos;

2.1.2. engenders a sense of identity and belonging towards the school community;

2.1.3. supports positive behaviour and discipline;

2.1.4. is practical, affordable and smart;

2.1.5. makes students feel equal and encourages cohesion;

2.1.6. has been designed with health and safety in mind; and

2.1.7. supports sustainability

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Schedule 1 – School Uniform and PE / Swimming Kit

 

 The following school uniform must be worn in school:

• Royal blue sweatshirt* and/or royal blue cardigan*

• Light blue polo shirt* with or without the school logo); 

• Grey trousers, Short grey trousers (optional during the summer term);

 Jeans, tracksuit bottoms and leggings are not considered suitable (except tracksuit bottoms when wearing PE Kit – see below);

 

• Grey skirt or grey pinafore dress.  Skirt length should be on or below the knee. The style of skirt should not hug the figure.

• Blue/white gingham checked dresses (optional during the summer term); 

• Black or dark coloured school shoes (no trainers). Heels are not considered suitable;

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As part of our school safeguarding policy+ pupils must wear a polo shirt, sweatshirt/cardigan with the school logo on. Therefore, pupils MUST have at least 1 polo shirt, sweatshirt and/or cardigan with school logo) - this is additional safeguarding practice for school trips so all children are easily identifiable.

 

3. Swimming Kit:

3.1. Pupils must come prepared for swimming lessons with the following:-

• A suitably sized towel

• Girls – swimming costume (no bikinis)

• Boys – swimming shorts (not below the knee)

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4. PE Kit:

4.1. Pupils are expected to wear the following PE kit on their allocated PE day *:

• White t-shirt/Light blue t-shirt * (with or without the school logo);

• Royal blue PE hoody * (with or without the school logo);

• Royal blue or black shorts, dark navy/black tracksuit trousers or dark navy blue, black sports leggings (without any "sports" branding or corporate logo);

• Trainers for outdoors;

• No football strips are to be worn for PE.

 

*Please note Reception pupils will begin PE from Summer term following September admission, please do not purchase PE kits until nearer the time

 

5. General Points:

5.1. All items of uniform, footwear and PE / swimming kit should be clearly labelled with your child's name.

5.2. No logos or branding (other than the school logo) should be displayed on any uniform.  

5.3. All children are expected to take part in PE and swimming lessons, which should only be missed in exceptional circumstances with prior written permission of the parent.