Uniform

Our aim is to have a school uniform which fulfils the following criteria:

• Comfortable and practical
• Allows children to take an active part in physical activities, D&T, dance etc.
• Affordable and easy to get hold of
• Looks smart and consistent

Expectations for school uniform

Please ensure that all items of clothing or lunchboxes/drinks containers brought to school by your child are clearly named. All lost property with a name on can be returned straight to your child’s class. We keep all items without names in the office for a short period of time only.Your child will need to have their PE kit available on the days they have PE. For Forest School days they will need to be dressed in weather appropriate outdoor clothing. They will need to bring their book bag every day (including Forest School days).

Branded Items

Burgundy jumper/cardigan/hoodie (with school logo) – These are available from Barrons in Chard.

Unbranded Items

All pupils wear a burgundy sweatshirt or cardigan. White shirts and grey or black trousers or skirts with black shoes complete the outfit. Yellow checked school dresses provide an extra option for the summer.

• A plain white polo shirt
• Plain black/grey school trousers/shorts/skirt/pinafore/skort
• Yellow and white checked dress (warm weather)
• Plain grey/black/white socks

Footwear

Black trainer style footwear

The following do not promote active learning and are therefore not acceptable

The following trainers are not plain black and are therefore not acceptable for general wear

PE and Swimming Kit

For PE we request that pupils wear black shorts and a white or yellow t-shirt. Yellow t-shirts are available with the school logo. Optional hooded sweatshirts are available for outdoor PE and fleeces can be purchased instead of a coat.

• Yellow Redstart PE T-shirt (available from Barron’s in Chard) or white polo shirt
• Black shorts/joggers
• A pair of daps or trainers for PE
• One piece swimming costume for swimming (Y4)

Jewellery and Hairstyles

Jewellery is not allowed for safety reasons. Any child with pierced ears must sign a disclaimer. Watches may be worn at the discretion of parents. Necklaces and bracelets are not permitted.

All hair longer than shoulder length needs to be tied up at all times. We ask that simple hair bands are worn, no large bows / flowers or similar.

• No hoops or dangly earrings can be worn.
• One pair of stud earrings may be worn.
• There should be no other piercings.
• Hair should be practical – it should not be artificially dyed, and if longer than shoulder–length, it must
  be tied back. Hair accessories should be small and plain.

Other Expectations

• A waterproof coat,
• A small backpack and book bag,
• A box for packed lunch that can be closed,
• A water bottle that can be refilled (should have water, not juice, squash etc.),
• Every two weeks children need outdoor clothes, a waterproof coat and welly boots for Forest School.

Parents and carers are expected to make sure their child has the correct uniform, and that every item is:

• Clean,
• Clearly labelled with the child’s name,
• In good condition.

Where to Purchase

• Most items can be bought from supermarkets, online suppliers and high street retailers.
• Branded school uniform (sweaters, cardigans, hoodies, book bags) can be purchased from Barrons in
  Holyrood Street, Chard.
• FORS (Friends of Redstart) regularly hold second hand uniform sales.

Please note: Barrons is in the process of closing down and will no longer be available from the end of October. We are in the process of negotiating with an online supplier and will provide details shortly.

Compliance

Staff will monitor pupils to ensure they are in the correct uniform. A child in unsuitable uniform will be reminded of the guidelines. We will give any pupils and families breaching the uniform policy opportunities to follow the policy.

Ongoing breaches of our uniform policy will be dealt with by a letter being sent from the Principal reiterating the school expectations and giving a reasonable timeframe within which to comply.