School Uniform - Hazel Court School 

Aims

This policy aims to:

·         Set out our approach to requiring a uniform that is of reasonable cost and offers the best value for money for parents and carers

·         Explain how we will avoid discrimination in line with our legal duties under the Equality Act 2010

·         Clarify our expectations for school uniform

Our school’s legal duties under the Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination against an individual based on the protected characteristics, which include sex, race, religion or belief, and gender reassignment.

To avoid discrimination, our school will:

·         Avoid listing uniform items based on sex, to give all pupils the opportunity to wear the uniform they feel most comfortable in or that most reflects their self-identified gender

·         Make sure that our uniform costs the same for all pupils

·         Allow all pupils to have long hair (though we reserve the right to ask for this to be tied back)

·         Allow all pupils to style their hair in the way that is appropriate for school yet makes them feel most comfortable

·         Allow pupils to request changes to swimwear for religious reasons

·         Allow pupils to wear headscarves and other religious or cultural symbols

·         Allow for adaptations to our policy on the grounds of equality by asking pupils or their parents/carers to get in touch with the Head of Secondary, who can answer questions about the policy and respond to any requests

Limiting the cost of school uniform

Our school has a duty to make sure that the uniform we require is affordable, in line with statutory guidance from the Department for Education on the cost of school uniform.

We understand that items with distinctive characteristics (such as branded items, or items that have to have a school logo or a unique fabric/colour/design) cannot be purchased from a wide range of retailers, and that requiring many such items limits parents’ ability to “shop around” for a low price.

We will make sure our uniform:

·         Is available at a reasonable cost

·         Provides the best value for money for parents/carers

We will do this by:

·         Carefully considering whether any items with distinctive characteristics are necessary

·         Limiting any items with distinctive characteristics where possible to our School Sweatshirts which feature the school logo

·         Limiting items with distinctive characteristics to low-cost or long-lasting items, such as ties

·         Considering cheaper alternatives to school-branded items, such as logos that can be ironed on, as long as this doesn’t compromise quality and durability

·         Avoiding specific requirements for items pupils could wear on non-school days, such as coats, bags and shoes

·         Keeping the number of optional branded items to a minimum, so that the school’s uniform can act as a social leveler

·         Avoiding different uniform requirements for different year/class/house groups

·         Avoiding different uniform requirements for extra-curricular activities

·         Considering alternative methods for signaling differences in groups for interschool competitions, such as creating posters or labels

·         Making sure that arrangements are in place for parents to acquire secondhand uniform items

·         Avoiding frequent changes to uniform specifications and minimising the financial impact on parents/carers of any changes

·         Consulting with parents/carers and pupils on any proposed significant changes to the uniform policy and carefully considering any complaints about the policy

Expectations for school uniform

The wearing of school uniform at the Hazel Court Secondary School is compulsory.

Key Stage 3 pupils (years 7, 8 & 9)

·         A white polo shirt (plain or with the school logo)

·         Navy sweatshirt (must have the school logo)

·         Dark coloured trousers/skirt/jogging trousers/leggings (plain)

Key Stage 4 pupils (years 10 & 11)

·         A white polo shirt (plain or with the school logo)

·         Navy sweatshirt (must have the school logo)

·         Dark coloured trousers/skirt/jogging trousers/leggings (plain)

The PE kit

·         White round neck t-shirt (plain)

·         Black shorts (plain)

·         Trainers

There is no school uniform for our students at the FE Department.

Where to purchase school uniform

All of the compulsory school uniform items with our school logo on can only be purchased online from My Clothing (www.myclothing.com). https://myclothing.com/collections/hazel-court-school-hazel-court-school-26065

You will find a whole range of outerwear and other school accessories available to purchase at MyClothing which also have our school logo on. Please note that these additional items are NOT compulsory to buy, and you are free to purchase these without our logo on from other retailers.

We usually have a small stock of second hand uniform which parents/carers are welcome to enquire about via the school office.

Expectations for our school community

Pupils

Pupils are expected to wear the correct uniform at all times (other than specified non-school uniform days) while on the school premises, travelling to and from school, and at out-of-school events or on trips where they are representing the school.

Pupils are also expected to contact the Headteacher if they want to request an amendment to the uniform policy in relation to their protected characteristics.

Parents and carers

Parents and carers are expected to make sure their child has the correct uniform and PE kit, and that every item is clean, clearly labelled with the child’s name, and in good condition.

Parents/carers are also expected to contact the Headteacher if they want to request an amendment to the uniform policy relating to protected characteristics, the cost of the uniform, or sensory issues.

Parents/carers should raise complaints in a timely and reasonable manner and these will be dealt with in accordance with the school complaints policy.

Extreme Weather and Temporary Uniform Adjustments

Hazel Court School recognises that extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves, periods of unusually high temperatures, severe cold weather, or other significant weather events, may require temporary adjustments to the school's uniform expectations.

Where it is considered necessary to relax or amend uniform requirements to support pupils' comfort, wellbeing, health and safety, the school will communicate this decision clearly to parents and carers in advance wherever possible.

Communication will normally be made through the school's usual communication channels, including MCAS, email, text message, or letters to parents and carers.

Any temporary adjustments will be clearly explained, including the period for which the changes will apply and any expectations regarding suitable clothing and footwear.

Staff

Staff will closely monitor pupils to make sure they are in correct uniform and will follow up with the Headteacher where needed. A considerate approach will be taken where financial hardship is suspected.

Governors

·         Is appropriate for our school’s context

·         Is implemented fairly across the school

·         Takes into account the views of parents and pupils

·         Offers a uniform that is appropriate, practical and safe for all pupils

The governing board will also make sure that supplier arrangements give the highest priority to cost and value for money.

Monitoring arrangements

This policy will be reviewed every 3 years by the board of governors. Next review is due in September 2029.

Links to other policies

·         Behaviour for learning policy

·         Equality information and objectives statement

·         Anti-bullying policy

·         Complaints policy

Hazel Court Further Education (FE) Dept (16-19) 

There is no school uniform for our students at the FE Department, students are free to wear their own clothing & footwear, appropriate to weather conditions & the activities that they will be doing.