Pupils attending schools within West Dunbartonshire Council are strongly encouraged to wear a school uniform. Our contact with parents in recent years has also made us aware that the vast majority are in favour of uniform. The wearing of school uniform helps promote the identity of the school in the local community and helps create an ethos of sharing and pride in the school.
Most people tend to form opinions about a school by the appearance and behaviour of the pupils. West Dunbartonshire Council supports the wearing of the uniform in all of its schools because it:
· improves school security by making it easier to identify intruders
· builds a sense of identity and belonging to the school
· gives pupils an equality of appearance thereby discouraging competition
· is cheaper to buy than other clothing which pupils may wish to wear
· encourages school discipline and a work ethic amongst pupils.
In implementing a dress code schools should be mindful of the diversity of cultural and religious customs represented in our society. It may be appropriate for items of schoolwear to include alternative forms of dress corresponding to the cultural mix of the school population. Schools must ensure that no pupil is discriminated against on the grounds of race or gender.
The forms of dress which are unacceptable in school are items of clothing which:
· potentially encourage faction (such as football colours)
· could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans)
· could cause health and safety concerns, such as loose fitting clothing, sportswear made of flammable material and body
piercing/jewellery for PE and sport
· could cause damage to flooring
· carry advertising particularly for alcohol or tobacco
· could be used to inflict injury on other pupils or be used by others to do so
· are valuable or expensive items of clothing or jewellery which present a security issue for the school.
Parents receiving income support, job-seekers allowance (income based), housing benefit or council tax rebate will normally be entitled to monetary grants to assist with clothing and uniform. Approval of any requests for such grants made by parents in different circumstances are at the discretion of the Director of Educational Services. Application forms may be obtained from schools and from area education offices or the Educational Services Department.
Parents have asked for advice on footwear. Please see below a copy of the school uniform policy which now includes this advice.
The agreed school uniform for St Mary's is:-
Girls Boys
School tie School tie
Blue blouse Blue shirt
Navy skirt/pinafore Grey trousers
Navy cardigan/pullover Navy pullover
Black footwear Black footwear
The office staff order school jumpers, cardigans, slipovers and school ties and hold a small stock throughout the year. Any enquiries concerning uniform sales should be made at the school office.
