Uniform

Grove Road School Uniform

At Grove Road Primary School, we believe that school uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to the ethos of the school and helping every pupil feel a sense of belonging. Our uniform also allows children to enjoy a sense of equity, regardless of identity or economic circumstance.

Although our branded uniform can only be purchased online from Mapac, the branded elements are not compulsory and this policy aims to detail which elements are considered essential and which can be purchased from cheaper alternative options.

Our school policy on uniform seeks to:

Instil pride amongst the pupils in their school;
Ensure pupils of all races,creed/religion and backgrounds feel welcome and included;
Protect children from social pressures to dress in a particular way;
Nurture cohesion and promote good relations between different groups of pupils.
Provide a sense of belonging and identity
Help set an appropriate tone for learning

The school follows the DFE non-statutory guidance on school uniform. Every effort is made to ensure that its school uniform policy is fair and reasonable. When making decisions about uniform we consider:

Affordability
Availability
Impact on teaching and learning
Sustainable sourcing
Health and safety
The Human Rights Act 1998, Equality Act 2010 and anti-discrimination legislation
Temporary or permanent medical conditions and additional needs.

Branded School Uniform

The school uses a company called Rainham MAPAC to provide branded uniform with the school logo. However, there is no requirement for parents to use this supplier.

https://www.mapac.com/education/parents/uniform/GroveRoadPrimaryHP23

Mapac specialise in providing hard wearing uniforms at reasonable cost, to schools. The uniform is comfortable and practical. However, parents are welcome to source uniforms elsewhere, provided the colours match those outlined below.

Recycled and Nearly-New Uniform

We are happy to receive donations of uniform that is no longer needed. Nearly-new uniform is available in a variety of sizes from FOG (our Parents’ Association) to offer a more sustainable and cost effective option. We also place siblings in the same house so that it is easier for families to reuse items that no longer fit an older sibling.

Parents’ Responsibilities

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

Parents should contact the Headteacher if they want to request an amendment or adaptation to the uniform policy in relation to:

Their child’s protected characteristics
Concerns about the cost of the uniform

Jewellery

Children are asked not to wear jewellery to school. A school day is busy and active and we want children to run and play without fear of injury. If pupils wear studs in their ears they will be asked to remove them for PE or cover them with micropore tape.

Analogue watches are permitted but no smart watches. The school will accept no responsibility for loss or damage.

Hair

We ask that long hair is tied back off the face allowing children to learn and play safely, without distraction. Hair bands and ties should be safe and practical in neutral colours or school blue.

School bags

Please don’t send children in with big (solid) school bags, as the peg space in our very limited cloakroom areas cannot accommodate them. Broad strong loops are needed for coats and anoraks, wide enough to go over the special safety coat pegs, otherwise coats etc may end up on the floor.

Grove Road School Uniform Expectations & Requirements:

Uniform Items	School Logo Option	Specifications and Minimum Requirements
Navy blue sweatshirt or cardigan	This item is only available from Mapac, the school uniform supplier (preferred).	Unbranded plain blue jumper/cardigan without school logo is acceptable.
White polo shirt (Reception to Year 6)	School logo options available (optional but not essential)	Plain white polo shirt acceptable. In cold weather a blue or white long sleeve polo shirt or roll neck jumper may be worn under the sweatshirt.
Blue polo shirt (Nursery only)	School logo options available (optional)	Uniform is not required or expected in Nursery.
Charcoal grey or black: Trousers Shorts Culottes Skirts Pinafores Skorts	No logo required.	Charcoal grey, black or navy blue. Jeans, leggings and fashion trousers are not appropriate.
Summer dresses in blue gingham.	No logo required.	Skorts and culotte versions are fine as long as they are in blue gingham.
Socks Tights	No logo required.	White, black, grey or navy.
Coats	Mapac supply fleeces and waterproofs with the school logo (optional).	A waterproof coat is essential when the weather is cold and wet. There is no expectation regarding colour or style.
Shoes/footwear. Please note the school site can get muddy in winter and the children go outside in most weathers throughout the school year.	No logo required.	One pair of smart, black school shoes. Slipper type shoes are not suitable. Change of outdoor PE and playtimes (no specified colour or type). They need to be robust and we suggest you avoid designer labels. Most wear trainers.
PE kit: Black shorts T-shirt (cooler weather) Jogging bottoms	Macpac supply T-shirts in house colours with school logo (preferred but not essential)	A change of clothes for PE is needed for hygiene reasons. A T-shirt in house colours or plain white (no branded logos).

Equality and Discrimination Considerations

As a school we support equality, and in implementing this uniform policy we aim to meet the needs of children with protected characteristics. Our aim is to ensure this is done in a way which is accessible and non-discriminatory, without compromising safety or discipline within the school. Wherever possible uniform requirements are gender neutral.

Complaints and Disputes over Uniform

Our uniform specifications are as flexible as possible in the hope that we minimise cost and complications for parents. We are happy to discuss any concerns about the school’s policy on school uniform so that problems can be resolved quickly. Any concerns over the quality of uniform should be raised with the supplier.

Non-Compliance

Where there is a serious breach of the uniform policy (such as clothing with offensive or inappropriate logos/graphics) the school will follow the behaviour policy in a proportionate way. No pupil will be penalised for decisions beyond their control.