East Lothian pupils draw up new school uniform guidance

New school guidance for uniforms in East Lothian has been drawn up by pupils who identified comfort and cost as the most important considerations moving forward.

S3 students from two secondary schools appeared before a meeting of East Lothian Council’s education committee today to present their guide for schools which will be given to head teachers when they return from their summer holidays in August.

It sets out the six most important factors identified by pupils for consideration in any new uniform policy including ensuring they are inclusive as well as practical.

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The high school students consulted with fellow pupils and those in primary schools about what uniforms meant to them and their views on how to make them work for them.

One of the pupils told education committee members: “It makes sense for us to produce the guidance as we are the ones who have to wear the uniforms.”

Top of the priorities identified by pupils was affordability with the guide advising schools to consider whether uniforms are commonly sold in supermarkets, easy to buy because they use generic colours and do not promote branded clothing.

Schools across East Lothian offer pupils the opportunity to buy clothing with logos but they are not required by students.

The pupil team also called for more awareness to be provided about school clothing grants, which they said many children did not know were available, as well as the use of pre-loved clothing banks which offer a discreet service.

And they placed comfort second highest in their priorities saying schools should ask themselves if they are considering the “comfort and well-being
of all children and young people” when choosing uniforms.

One pupil said some items were not suitable for those who may have eczema while they should give young people options for dressing to match the activities of the school day such as PE, outside and other practical activities.

They also said, under inclusivity ,that teachers need to be aware of pupils with additional support needs who may have to keep certain items such as hats or hoods on and ensure they are not “routinely and unfairly challenged on this” as well as considering ensuring unfiroms are adaptable for those with disabilities.

Councillors welcomed the guidance and praised pupils for working to produce it with the council’s head of education Nicola McDowell inviting the pupils at the meeting to address the next head teachers’ meeting to present the guide.

Education committee convenor Fiona Dugdale said: “This is the first time we have had young people bring their own paper and answer questions in this committee and I want to thank them for all their hard work and the consultations dome.

“It is important young voices are heard and it makes absolute sense that the people wearing the uniforms help create the guidance.”

The report, which was for noting, was welcomed by all members of the committee.

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