CLOTHING AND UNIFORM

All North Lanarkshire schools must have a dress code which encourages pupils to dress in a way which is appropriate to attendance at school. This dress code must not lead to direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, gender or disability. Prior to drawing up the dress code, the parents, pupils and staff were fully consulted.  It is the expectation of the education authority that parents will be keen to support the dress code and written agreement may be sought.

All of our children wear school uniform and you have our full support in sending your child to school dressed this way. It encourages a sense of belonging and develops a pride in being at Townhead Primary.

Our school uniform is:

• Grey trousers or skirt
• Maroon cardigan or sweatshirt (with school logo)*
• Blue shirt/blouse
• School tie – Maroon and blue stripe*
• Maroon Showerproof Jacket (optional)*

*These items can be purchased from Scotcrest, Mackinnon Mills, Kirkshaws Road, Coatbridge.

Under no circumstances will pupils be deprived of any educational benefit as a result of not wearing uniform.

Clothing which is unacceptable in school under any circumstances includes items which:

• could potentially encourage factions e.g. football colours
• could cause offence e.g. anti-religious symbols or political slogans
• could cause health and safety difficulties, such as loose fitting clothing, dangling earrings and other potentially dangerous jewellery
• are of flammable materials which may be a danger in certain classes e.g. shell suits
• could cause damage to flooring
• carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco
• could be used to inflict injury to other pupils or be used by others to do so.

Parents in receipt of a grant for footwear and clothing from the council will be encouraged to purchase items which are in accordance with the school dress code. Approval of any requests for grants in other circumstances is at the discretion of the Assistant Chief Executive, Education, Skills and Youth Employment. Information and application forms may be obtained from the school or First Stop Shop. Parents are entitled to receive a clothing grant if they are in receipt of any of the following benefits: Income Support, Job Seeker’s Allowance (income based), Employment and Support Allowance (income related), Housing benefit, and council tax rebate.

Whilst in general terms it would not normally be the policy of the authority to exclude a pupil from school solely on the basis of his/her dress, persistent refusal to respond to a reasonable dress code might be deemed to be a serious challenge to the head teacher’s authority and be detrimental to the well-being of the whole school community. In such circumstance a head teacher could justify the use of the school discipline procedure.

The council wishes to minimise claims arising from 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, jewellery, etc., are not brought to school. Parents should note that any claims submitted to cover the loss of such items are likely to be met only where the authority can be shown to have been negligent.

We have a limited stock of used clothing so that pupils who have “accidents” have something in which to change. Any additions to this are most welcome. If your child should return home “changed” we ask that you wash and return the garments to school as soon as possible.

At school level it would be most helpful if all clothing and equipment is clearly marked with your child’s name.