School Uniform, PE Kit, Jewellery, Make-up and Snacks

Dear parents and carers,

Please take the time to read our expectations for school uniform, PE kit, jewellery and snacks. We hope that it helps explain why we have a policy in place for these areas and clarifies what we ask the children to respect.

The reasons behind our policy

We want to be fair to all children from all backgrounds and believe that having the same expectations for everyone means that all pupils are clear on what to wear to school. We feel that it reduces any anxiety individuals may have about what to wear and eliminates any desire some people may have to keep up with the most recent fashion, which can be an expensive thing to do!

As far as jewellery is concerned, we believe there is minimum need for this in school. For reasons of safety, as well as the fact that we want your children to keep their valuable possessions safe, we feel items of jewellery should be kept at home.

There is much debate as to whether what the children wear has any impact on a child’s ability to learn. In fact, most evidence suggests that it has little or no impact at all. However, what we do know is that many pupils are influenced by what their peers think of them and this can extend to what they wear and how they appear. Having a policy where the expectations are the same for everyone, and ensuring that our pupils stick to it, helps keep things fair. ALL children like things to be fair.

It is this last point in bold that drives our continual efforts to adhere to our expectations. When we remind our pupils about these things, are not trying to quash personality or individuality, we are simply being fair to everyone. Children are very clear on what they feel is fair and not fair and if they see others not sticking to expectations when they are, they do not like it.

Please rest assured, although having a standard uniform for all means our pupils look similar in appearance, their individual personality always shines through! Your children are fantastic and we would like them to attend school without any worries about what to wear, or experience of unfairness.

Our expectations on school uniform, PE kit, jewellery, make-up and snacks

We try hard to make sure our uniform can be accessed by all and are as affordable as possible. Our expectations overleaf, and some of the changes we have made, hopefully reflect that we are trying to limit cost. If you still find you need some support in equipping your son or daughter for school, please let us know; we always want to help.

Thank you for your support on this matter.
All the staff at Dereham Church of England Junior Academy

SCHOOL UNIFORM (non PE days) – Children should wear:

• Purple school jumper or cardigans
• White polo shirt, blouse or shirt (school logo optional)
• Full length trousers, pinafore dress, skirts, tailored shorts or leggings  (all black or dark grey)
• Lilac ‘gingham’ summer school dresses (optional)
• Completely black, flat-soled, sensible shoes, boots or trainers
• Any socks

No: Open-toed shoes or sandals

PE KIT  – On PE days, children can come to school in:

• Their usual school uniform, preferably with a change of shoes suitable for PE (trainers if possible).

Alternatively, if your child would like to wear a PE kit, they can come in any elements of the list below:

• UNBRANDED completely white t-shirt
• UNBRANDED completely black shorts or black leggings
• Trainers (do not have to be black and can be branded and have logos on them)
• UNBRANDED and completely black tracksuit (or sweatshirt/hoodie) for colder months

No: Branded symbols, logos, slogans or writing whatsoever on clothing.

JEWELLERY and MAKE-UP

Jewellery – Children can wear:

• ONE set of STUD earrings (should be removed on PE days)
• Wristwatch (smart watches that allow pupils to read messages are not allowed)

No other jewellery is allowed. This includes temporary tattoos, homemade bracelets or festival type bands.

Make-up – No make-up, including nail varnish, is allowed in school.

SNACKS AND CLASSROOM DRINKS

Snacks – Children are allowed any choice of break time snack other than those listed below:

• Crisps
• Chocolate
• Sweets
• Nuts (this is very important because of allergies)

Classroom drinks – The only drink allowed during class time is water.

No fizzy drinks or energy drinks are allowed in school.

June 2024