Co-op Academy Brownhill Uniform Policy

What does this mean for you - 2025-2026
Any items no longer in the new uniform policy do not need to be replaced before September 2026. We expect all children to adhere to the new policy from September 2026. As part of Co-op Academies Trust, we are working together to have a single supplier across all schools, this supplier will hopefully be in place by September 2027. The goal of this project is to further reduce costs for our families. We will be in touch with details when we have them.

Aims 

• Set out our approach to requiring a uniform that is of reasonable cost and offers the best value for money for parents and carers
• Explain how we will avoid discrimination in line with our legal duties under the Equality Act 2010
• Clarify our expectations for school uniform

Our school’s legal duties under the Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination against an individual based on the protected characteristics, which include sex, race, religion or belief, and gender reassignment.

To avoid discrimination, our school will:

• Make sure that our uniform costs the same for all pupils
• Allow pupils to wear headscarves although these should be in school colours (Navy Blue or Black) and other religious or cultural symbols

Limiting the cost of school uniform

Our school has a duty to ensure that the uniform we require is affordable, in accordance with statutory guidance from the Department for Education on the cost of school uniforms.

We will make sure our uniform:

• Is available at a reasonable cost
• Provides the best value for money for parents/carers

We will do this by:

• Carefully considering whether any items with distinctive characteristics are necessary
• Limiting any items with distinctive characteristics where possible by accepting that all items must be of a chosen colour but not necessarily need the school logo.
• Keeping the number of optional branded items to a minimum so that the school’s uniform can act as a social leveller
• Avoiding different uniform requirements for extra-curricular activities
• Making sure that arrangements are in place for parents to acquire second-hand uniform items
• Avoiding frequent changes to uniform specifications and minimising the financial impact on parents of any changes
• Consulting with parents and pupils on any proposed significant changes to the uniform policy and carefully considering any complaints about the policy

Our day-to-day uniform for children in reception to year 6:

• Navy blue jumper, with the school logo
• Trousers or skirt in grey, black
• Polo shirt or shirt in white
• Black smart shoes, flat with no heels
• Head scarves in navy blue, and black.Summer uniform

Our day-to-day uniform in summer, with the following options:

• Blue check dress
• Shorts in grey or black

P.E. uniform

• White T-shirt, plain with or without our school logo (from September 2027 a logo T-shirt will be required)
• Navy or black shorts or jogging bottoms
• Trainers (or suitable footwear for sports)

Supporting Equality and Inclusion

In our primary schools, we will be encouraging families to choose trousers as everyday uniforms for girls.

Research shows that practical uniform options:

● Support active play

● Build confidence

● Help children fully participate in learning

Trousers allow children to move more freely during playtimes, lessons and PE, helping them feel comfortable throughout the school day. This approach reflects our commitment to equality and inclusion, while still allowing families choice.

Expectations for our school community

Pupils

Pupils are expected to wear the correct uniform at all times while:

• On the school premises
• Travelling to and from school
• At out-of-school events or on trips that are organised by the school, or where they are representing the school (if required)

Parents and Carers

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

• Clearly labelled with the child’s name
• In good condition
• Parents are also expected to contact Vikki Hughes 01132489539 if they want to request a discussion regarding their child’s protected characteristics; the cost of the uniform

Parents are expected to lodge any complaints or objections relating to the school uniform in a timely and reasonable manner.

Disputes about the cost of the school uniform will be:

• Resolved locally
• This was dealt with in accordance with our school’s complaints policy. The school will work closely with parents to arrive at a mutually acceptable outcome.

Staff

• Staff will closely monitor pupils to make sure they are in the correct uniform.
• In cases where it is suspected that financial hardship has prevented a pupil from complying with this uniform policy, staff will take a mindful and considerate approach to resolving the situation.

Links to other policies

• This policy is linked to our:
• Behaviour policy
• Equality information and objectives statement
• Anti-bullying policy
• Complaints policy