As previously reported, we have taken community feedback from our market research to Governors to review our uniform policy. The draft is attached, with changes tracked in red, and it is anticipated that Governors will fully agree this when they meet in a few weeks. We thought we’d give you an advanced look as we’re sure some of you are already thinking about uniform for next year.
The key changes:
We have reduced the amount of branded items we ask to be worn. This is in line with DfE direction to schools and it also seems morally right in a cost of living crisis,
We have kept the option to have the logo on many items as feedback told us that many people really like it.
The only required branded item is the sweatshirt/jumper/cardi from Y2 to Y6
The house-coloured PE shirt in EY and Y1 need not be a polo shirt (it is still supposed to be in Y2-Y6)
We have an alternative recommended supplier, whose items are ethically and sustainably sourced. This is in response to our carbon audit – uniform was problematic! – and highly positive community feedback on the consultation around this. This supplier will be setting up an online shop for us in the coming weeks. Price and Buckland continue to run an online store for our uniform alongside this.
Non-branded items can be purchased anywhere – there is no obligation to use either online store.
The option to sew a Parkdale logo onto a sweatshirt, jumper or hoody remains and these can be purchased from the office.
Finally, and importantly, in response to numerous parental/community requests, we will be expecting children to be dressed in accordance with the policy and we will be fully implementing it. We know we have been more relaxed about this post-Covid, but feedback tells us that most people would like us to apply the policy properly going forward.