All North Lanarkshire schools must have a dress code which encourages pupils to dress in a way which is appropriate to attendance at school.  The 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 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. 

Clothing which is unacceptable in school under any circumstances would include items which:

•  could potentially, encourage factions (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 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; and
• could be used to inflict damage on other pupils or be used by others to do so.

Parents in receipt of a clothing grant from the council will be encouraged to purchase items which are in accordance with the school dress code.  Approval of any requests for such grants in other circumstances are at the discretion of the Executive Director of Learning and Leisure Services.  Information and application forms may be obtained from any school or area office.  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 & support allowance (income related), housing benefit, 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 circumstances a head teacher could justify the use of the school discipline procedure.

We in Holy Cross Primary School do have a uniform which is most attractive and is worn by all of our pupils.  These have proved most popular and can be ordered from the school at any time.  School badges and ties are also available, on order, from the school.

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 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.