SCHOOL uniforms can make life a lot easier for parents, but one mother learned that the strict rules surrounding them often don’t.
The disgruntled parent detailed the extreme stance her daughter’s school takes on everything from bows to sweaters.
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In a after On Mumsnet, the user explained the strict measures the school has taken.
The anonymous woman said her 15-year-old daughter had just started 11th grade.
According to the mother, the school has had no difficulty enforcing the school uniform policy.
“Last week they went back and the teachers took the kids out of class to check their shoes, nails, blazers, eyelashes,” she explained.
Learn more about school uniforms
While the parent acknowledged that this is a requirement, she could not believe that the school would take such extreme measures over minor dress code violations.
“They cut the bows off the girls’ school shoes when they were wearing them,” she said.
“But they also told the children not to wear their sweaters.”
She explained that the extra layer is a plain black V-neck, “which is in the school uniform policy.”
“It doesn’t say the sweaters can only be worn at certain times,” she added.
“They reason that it is not cold enough yet and that they will only let the children know when they are allowed to put on the clothes.”
The woman explained that her daughter “gets cold very easily” and that she “almost always has a coat on.”
“Of course they have to take it off in class, but she said it was really cold in the classrooms today,” she added.
The poster said she was considering emailing the school about the dress code.
“It just seems like a bit of a power grab, with the idea of ’we’ll let you know when you can wear it,’” she explained.
Other parents shared their thoughts on the policy in the comments section.
EXTRA HELP WITH SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS
IF you cannot get targeted help from your municipality, there may be other options.
In some cases you can contact your school directly, they may be able to provide you with clothing.
Or perhaps you can buy cheap clothes from budget stores or thrift shops.
Some charities also provide assistance to families in need.
Please note that charities are often limited in the amount they can donate and have specific criteria that must be met in order to receive a grant.
Charity Turn2Us has a free grant search function on its website, which will help you see what help is available to you.
In the meantime, you can always contact your nearest Citizens’ Advice office.
If you don’t know where your nearest Citizens’ Advice branch is, you can find it at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/nearby/.
If you are not eligible for a school uniform grant, you may be able to get help through the Household Support Fund.
“That’s ridiculous. Why would they want kids to be cold?” asked one reader.
“The bow tie thing is also awful – it’s right to ban bow ties, but a letter to parents goes home, the kids [shouldn’t] are dragged out and humiliated, or their property is destroyed.”
“Socks cut off with bows? I’d be the parent who expected the school to provide new socks ASAP,” said another commenter.
“Sweaters, it is a violation of their human rights if they are deprived of the means to stay warm.”
“That’s really the point of sweaters: to put them on and take them off when you need them,” said a third person.
“There is no point in imposing restrictions in this way, [they] “should be warm enough while learning.”
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