Statement of intent
St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School believes that a consistent school uniform policy is vital to promote the ethos of the school and provide a sense of belonging and identity for all pupils, regardless of their protected characteristics or socio-economic circumstances. This policy lays out the measures the school has taken to ensure a consistent, fair and inclusive uniform policy, and to implement a uniform that reflects the needs of all pupils, and is affordable and the best value for money for the school and pupils’ families.
We believe that pupils learn most effectively and achieve their best outcomes when they are comfortable, able to be themselves, and dressed in such a way that sets an appropriate tone for education. The school is committed to ensuring that its school uniform is affordable and accessible to all pupils, and does not place an unreasonable financial burden on parents. In accordance with the ‘School Admissions Code’, the headteacher will ensure that the school’s uniform policy does not discourage parents from applying for a place for their child. The school will assess the overall cost implications of its uniform policy regularly.
Cost Principles
The school will evaluate the cost of its uniform based on the overall collection of uniform items that parents would need to purchase for a pupil, rather than on the cost effectiveness of individual items; this will include consideration of the fact that parents will need to purchase multiples of certain items, e.g. shirts and socks, to ensure their child can come to school in clean uniform every day.
The school has branded uniform items but does not insist on their purchase. The school sell jumpers, cardigans, jackets, polo shirts and PE T shirts with logos but pupils do not need to wear items with the school logo. The school defines a branded uniform item as any item of clothing that cannot be purchased at a range of retailers, including by virtue of logos, colours, design and fabrics.
Jewellery
Permitted jewellery that may be worn is:
- One pair of small stud earrings – no other piercings are permitted
- A smart and sensible wrist watch.
Jewellery is the responsibility of the pupil and not the school. Lost or damaged items will not be refunded. All jewellery must be removed during practical lessons, including PE lessons.
Hairstyles
The school reserves the right to make a judgement on where pupils’ hairstyles or hair coloursare inappropriate for the school environment; however, will ensure that any such judgements do not discriminate against any pupil by virtue of their protected characteristics. Pupils with long hair must ensure that this does not impede their vision, cover their face or provide a health and safety risk. Long hair must be tied up during practical lessons, e.g. during PE.
The following hairstyles are not considered appropriate for school:
- Brightly-coloured, dyed hair.
- Headwear with bold patterns or colours.
- Excessive hair accessories.
Uniform
At St Teresa's School we ask that children wear
- A white shirt/Polo shirt
- A tie (available from the school office)
- Grey trousers/skirt/pinafore
- Grey cardigan/jumper
- Black school shoes
- In the summer a purple and white summer dress can be worn
PE Uniform
Due to a lack of changing facilities we have invited children to come to school wearing their PE kit on PE days. This is a white or purple T shirt, blue/black shorts/joggers/leggings and blue/black hoodie or sweatshirt. Children are allowed to wear training shoes for PE. Please do not send the children to school wearing football shirts or football tracksuits or clothes with large logos.
Pre Loved Uniform
We have a selection of good quality used uniform. This is free to any parent/carer who needs it. Please contact the headteacher or PSA Vicky Elliot if you would like some uniform. We also welcome good quality donations of uniforms.