Uniform
With our uniform, we aim for our pupils to dress smartly and appropriately.
The school expects pupils to wear the following uniform.
Branded items
In order to keep the cost of school uniform affordable, Bucklebury Church of England Primary School limits the number of compulsory branded items. Pupils are required to have:
one dark green Bucklebury school sweatshirt or cardigan displaying the school logo, available from Brigade; and
one green Bucklebury PE T-shirt displaying the school logo.
All other uniform and PE items may be purchased from any retailer, provided that they meet the colours and requirements set out in this policy. Branded versions of other items may be available but are optional and an appropriate generic alternative may be worn.
Pupils may choose from:
grey long or short trousers;
grey pinafore dress or skirt;
green and white checked dress;
plain black, grey or white long or short socks; and
white short-sleeved shirt or white polo shirt.
These requirements reflect the school's currently published uniform information.
We recognise that children should be able to choose between the permitted uniform options regardless of gender.
Hoglets (3–4-year-old provision)
Children attending our Hoglets provision are encouraged to wear Bucklebury school uniform, helping them to feel part of the Bucklebury family from the beginning of their time with us.
We recognise, however, that learning in the Early Years is active, practical and frequently takes place outdoors. Clothing should therefore be comfortable, practical and suitable for messy and outdoor play. Parents should not send children in clothing that they are concerned about becoming dirty during normal Early Years activities.
Children should also have appropriate outdoor clothing, including a waterproof coat and Wellington boots when required.
Children spend time outdoors throughout the year and should come to school appropriately dressed for the weather.
During the autumn, winter and spring terms, and particularly when the school grounds are muddy, children may need:
Wellington boots;
Outdoor trainers for break and lunchtime play; and
A waterproof and/or warm coat.
During warmer weather, children should bring an appropriate sun hat.
All outdoor clothing and footwear should be clearly named.
Hair
Hair should be worn in a way that allows pupils to participate safely and comfortably in all aspects of school life.
Hair that could obstruct a child's vision or create a risk to the child or another person should be secured with a suitable band or clip. As a general guide:
hair that could cover the eyes should be secured so that the face remains clear;
shoulder-length or longer hair should be secured so that the face remains clear and the hair stays in place throughout the school day; and
during PE, hair must be secured so that it remains in place and does not create a risk to the pupil or others.
Hair gel is not permitted.
Hair accessories should be practical and appropriate for school.
Jewellery and watches
For reasons of safety and security, jewellery should be kept to a minimum.
For health and safety reasons, jewellery must be removed for PE and sporting activities where it could present a risk to the pupil or others. Pupils who wear earrings should therefore be able to remove them independently before PE. Staff will not remove earrings on behalf of pupils.
Parents are strongly encouraged to arrange new ear piercings at the beginning of the summer holiday so that earrings can be safely removed when pupils return to school.
Where earrings cannot be removed, for example during the initial healing period following a new piercing, parents should inform the school. The school will consider the activity and associated risks and make appropriate arrangements to enable the pupil to participate safely wherever possible.
Smart watches or watches that connect to the internet are not permitted. This is consistent with the school's approach to personal electronic devices and safeguarding.
[With prior agreement from the headteacher, a child in upper school who travels to/ from school alone may submit a mobile phone to the school office.]
Pupils may wear a small watch but this must be removed for PE.
In addition, for PE and other activities all children require:-
PE kit;
Football style shorts (not cycle shorts)
Green Bucklebury School PE T-Shirts available from Brigade.
Trainers (not plimsolls)
Football Boots (rubber studs or 3g artificial turf sole - SEE IMAGE )
[**Fox, Deer - Football Shin pads** ]
This must be kept in a named drawstring bag to save space.
November to March;
Tracksuit trousers and PE sweatshirt
Children’s hair must be tied back at all times. Hair gel and nail varnish is not permitted.
The school is mindful of the cost of school uniform and seeks to keep compulsory branded items to a minimum.
The school sweatshirt/cardigan and PE T-shirt are the principal branded items specified by the school's published uniform requirements. Other items can be purchased from a retailer of the family's choice, provided that they meet the colour and style requirements set out in this policy. The school currently identifies Brigade and the school office as sources for branded uniform.
Families experiencing difficulty with the cost of uniform are encouraged to contact the school confidentially. The school states that families experiencing difficulties with school-related costs can speak confidentially with the Headteacher or school office so that available support can be explored.
In determining its uniform requirements and supply arrangements, the school will give the highest priority to cost and value for money and will have regard to the Department for Education's statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms.
Pre-loved uniform
The school is committed to making uniform affordable and sustainable. Good-quality pre-loved uniform is available to current and prospective families. Details of how families can access or donate pre-loved uniform are published on the school website and are available from the school office.