Schools

Clothing and Uniform

Given that there is substantial parental and public approval of uniform, schools in South Ayrshire are free to encourage the wearing of school uniform. In encouraging the wearing of uniform, account must be taken in any proposals to prevent any direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race or gender. Any proposals will be the subject of widespread consultation with parents and pupils. Against this background it should be noted that it is the policy of the Educational Services Committee not to insist on pupils wearing uniform or having specialist items of clothing as a prerequisite to their attending and engaging in all of the activities of the curriculum.

There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in school, such as 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 difficulties, such as loose fitting clothing, dangling earrings;
are made from flammable material for example, tracksuits in practical classes;
could cause damage to flooring;
carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco; and
could be used to inflict damage on other pupils or be used by others to do so.

Under no circumstances will pupils be deprived of any educational benefit as a result of not wearing uniform and in particular, pupils will not be denied access to examinations as a result of not wearing school uniform.

Parents receiving income support, working tax credit, child tax credit, income-based job seekers allowance, housing benefit or council tax rebates will normally be entitled to financial assistance for footwear and clothing for their children. Approval of any requests for such grants made by parents in different circumstances is at the discretion of the Director of Education, Culture and Lifelong Learning. Information and application forms may be obtained from schools, libraries, registration offices and from Education, Culture and Lifelong Learning, County Buildings, Ayr.

The Council is concerned at the level of claims being received regarding the loss of pupils' clothing and/or personal belongings. Parents are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items of clothing are not brought to school. Parents should note that the Council does not carry insurance to cover the loss of such items and any claims submitted are likely to be met only where the Council can be shown to have been negligent.

Contact

Schools

Clothing and Uniform