New Government Guidance on School Uniform

New Government Guidance for Schools on Uniform Policy Issued

Punk Against Poverty have long since called for more consideration of pupils needs, disabilities and families low incomes when implementing school uniform policies so we’re pleased to see that new guidance issued this month covers these topics.

The Government has issued new non statutory guidance to schools on the considerations to be made when implementing uniform policy, including appointing a staff contact for school uniform.

Under the ‘Developing School Uniform Policy’ schools governing boards have been asked to consider this guidance, along with their statutory duties under The Cost of School Uniform Act 2021, the Human Rights Act 1998 and Equality Act 2010, when implementing uniform policy.

The guidance suggests that schools “consider how comfortable the proposed uniform will be for pupils” and “consider how they will support pupils who do not have the correct uniform, including which members of staff will be a point of contact for families and pupils who need support with uniform” and asks schools to be aware that pupils may miss school because they do not have the correct uniform or access to clean uniform, and to consider what action they can take to support attendance in such cases.

The policy also covers non uniform days and asks schools to consider the impact these can have on attendance and the ability of low income pupils to take part, particularly where costumes or dressing up are required.

Human rights, equality and discrimination considerations also feature, and schools are asked to consider relevant protected characteristics when developing uniform policy, and to ensure they do not discriminate unlawfully.

Uniform should be “as inclusive as possible and should be considerate in implementation of their uniform policy so that all pupils are able to wear the uniform” They must also continue to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils as appropriate.

Whilst schools are permitted to have different uniform for boys and girls, one should not be significantly more expensive than the other as this may constitute unlawful sex discrimination.

We at Punk Against Poverty hope that schools both locally and nationally will take the new guidance on board when developing uniform policies and as always are happy to meet and discuss with schools in our area how best to implement suitable uniform requirements.

If you are a school in Torbay or Cranbrook and would like to discuss further please email us at info@punkagainstpoverty.co.uk

You can read the guidance in full here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-uniform/school-uniforms