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, parents, pupils and staff were fully consulted. It is the expectation of Education, Skills and Youth Employment services 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 include items which:-

• could potentially encourage factions (e.g. football colours)
• could cause offences (e.g. 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 in particular for alcohol or tobacco, and could be used to inflict damage to other pupils or to be used by others to do so.

Parents of Primary aged children 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 Assistant Chief Executive, Education, Skills and Youth Employment. Information and application forms may be obtained from any 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) Universal Credit, 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 of the head teacher’s authority and be detrimental to the well-being of the whole school community. In such circumstances, a Head Teacher may justify the use of the school discipline procedure.

The council wishes to minimise claims arising from the loss of pupil’s 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 be negligent.

St. Mary’s School Uniform

Pale blue school shirt/blouse                  

School tie

Dark blue jumper/cardigan

Dark blue trousers/skirt

PE Uniform

Dark blue shorts, white T shirt and gym shoes. All items of clothing should be clearly labelled with the child’s name and class. The school would greatly appreciate co-operation in this regard.

Parents of pupils starting P1 may wish their son/daughter to wear a blazer. We employ a method of positive encouragement of pupils with regard to the wearing of school uniform as it represents the school so well within the community. Pupils are regularly praised for their excellent standard of school dress.

Parents who at any time may find it difficult to support the school dress code should contact the Head Teacher.