It is the policy of North Ayrshire Council to support the introduction of a reasonable and flexible dress code in each school in its area.  The council encourages each school to adopt its own code, after discussion with parents, pupils and the Parent Council.

The Council believes that establishing a school dress code has many benefits.  These include improvements in safety, security, discipline and community spirit and a decrease in bullying, and, expense for parents.

The Council will support schools in encouraging and helping pupils to conform to the chosen dress code.  Some types of clothing will not be allowed at school in any circumstances, for reasons of safety, decency or discipline.

– Types of clothing which will not be allowed include:-

– Clothes which are a health and safety risk.

– Clothes which may damage the school building.

– Clothes which may provoke other pupils.

– Clothes which are offensive or indecent (too revealing, tight or short).

– Clothes which encourage the use of alcohol or tobacco.

The Council will support schools taking disciplinary procedures against pupils in serious or persistent cases.

All items of clothing should be clearly labelled with the child’s name in case of loss.

It is appreciated that parents and pupils are distressed over the loss of pupils’ clothing and / or personal belongings.  Parents are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items of clothing or personal belongings are not brought to school.  Parents should note that the authority does not carry insurance to cover the loss of such items.

Footwear and Clothing Grants

North Ayrshire can provide free school meals and up to £40 worth of school footwear and clothing to children whose parents are on certain benefits. If your child is in Primary 1, 2 or 3 you will automatically receive free school meals. Parents of children entering Primary 4 and up must apply.

Can I get help with these costs?

We may be able to help you with these school costs if your child attends primary or secondary school and you receive one of the following:

• Income Support
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income Related Employment Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration Asylum Act 1999
• Child Tax Credit only (with income under £16,105)
• Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit (with an income under £6,420)
• Working Tax Credit with income under £16,105 (clothing grant only
• Council Tax Reduction or Housing Benefit (clothing grant only)
• Universal Credit

How to apply

• Online at The Hub
• Telephone: 01294 310000
• In person at one of the following Customer Service Centres. Please bring proof of the benefit you have been awarded.
  • Customer Service Centre, Bridgegate House, Irvine