Introduction: Wearing school uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to the ethos of our school. Our school community prides themselves in being smart, well presented and ready for learning. It is our school policy that all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 wear uniform when attending school, or when participating in school-organised events offsite. Our school uniform policy has been reviewed to take into consideration the DfE's guidance on the cost of school uniforms.
Aims: Our policy on school uniform is based on the belief that our children are pleased to wear a uniform that:
promotes a sense of pride in our school
helps to create a sense of community and belonging towards the school
identifies pupils to our school
supports the school's commitment to inclusion
is considered to be good value for money
is practical, smart, and designed with health and safety in mind
Equality: The uniform options set out in our policy are gender neutral and it is not specified what items boys or girls should or should not wear within the permitted list.
We recognise that for some of our families, religions or beliefs may require conformity to a particular dress code and we are sensitive to this. We believe that most requirements can be well met within our policy and we always aim to accommodate these, showing flexibility where there is a genuine reason to do so. However, it is important that any adaptations agreed do not compromise genuine health and safety concerns, and therefore we welcome any conversations with parents to discuss and agree adaptations.
We also recognise that reasonable adjustments might need to be made for a pupil with a disability or special educational need and there is flexibility within our policy for this. Parents are invited to discuss any adaptations that may be required with the school.
Nursery uniform: Families are given the choice and flexibility as to whether they would like their child in Nursery to wear:
Full uniform (as worn by children in Reception, Year 1 & Year 2)
Part uniform (e.g. a red sweatshirt with or without logo alongside own clothes)
No uniform (own clothes that are suitable for accessing active play, with fastenings that can be managed by the child)
Uniform requirements: Careful consideration has been taken regarding the cost and availability of our uniform for parents. Uniform with the school embroidered logo (optional) can be purchased from PMG Schoolwear, and this has been specifically chosen as representing good value for money. Other uniform items are widely available, at very competitive prices, at local shops including supermarkets.
PMG Schoolwear Chessington: School uniform with the embroidered logo can be purchased, by visiting:
Affordable Uniform: We appreciate that school uniform can be costly and our policy has taken this into consideration from the outset. We keep essential branded items to a minimum and give families choice on whether to purchase branded or non branded items for all other uniform requirements.
For families in receipt of the Pupil Premium Grant, we are able to support with the purchase of:
2 sweatshirts or cardigans with logo
2 white polo shirts with logo
1 white PE t-shirt with logo
A PE bag with logo
A bookbag with logo
A chair bag
We also have access to high quality second hand uniform. The Friends of Maple organise regular sales in the playground but parents are welcome to speak to the school office team should they need any additional items outside of these sales.
Specific requirements:
Footwear - our uniform policy from Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 asks for black closed toe leather style shoes to be worn. Please note, trainers should not be worn other than during PE sessions/on PE days where children come into school wearing their uniform. Trainers, 'fashion' shoes, heels, flip flops, or sandals are not suitable for school and are not part of the accepted uniform. If you child wears wellington boots into school during wet weather, please ensure they bring in their school shoes to change into once in school. In Nursery, children are requested to wear a supportive closed toe shoe that ideally has a fastening that they can manage independently e.g. velcro or simple buckle, not shoelaces. Thank you.
Hair - long hair should be tied back at all times with plain bands, ribbons or scrunchies. Hair accessories should not have large flowers or bows or other decorations attached e.g. cat ears. Thank you.
Jewellery - for many reasons, including safety, we do not allow children to wear jewellery or earrings as part of our uniform. Please note: school staff are not permitted to remove a child's earrings. If you wish to discuss why you feel your child is not able to comply with wearing no jewellery in school, including earrings, please make an appointment to speak to the Head Teacher to discuss this further. Thank you.
Partnership with parents: It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their child has the correct uniform and PE kit, and that it is clean, in good repair and that the child's name is visibly labeled on all items. If a parent has difficulties, for any reason, with their child's uniform, they are asked to speak confidentially to the school office team who would be pleased to assist in any way they can.
The role of governors: The governing body supports the Head Teacher in implementing the school uniform policy. They liaise with the Head Teacher to ensure that the policy is implemented fairly and with sensitivity. The governing body monitors and reviews the school uniform policy through its committee work to ensure that the policy aims are being met and that good procurement practices are followed for branded school items.