Introduction

Wearing school uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to the ethos of our school. Our school community prides themselves in being smart, well-presented and ready for learning. It is our school policy that all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 wear uniform when attending school, or when participating in school-organised events off-site. Our school uniform policy has been reviewed to take into consideration the DfE’s guidance on the cost of school uniforms.

Aims

Our policy on school uniform is based on the belief that our children are pleased to wear a uniform that:

• Promotes a sense of pride in our school
• Helps to create a sense of community and belonging towards the school
• Identifies pupils to our school
• Supports the school’s commitment to inclusion
• Is considered to be good value for money
• Is practical, smart and designed with health and safety in mind

Equality

The uniform set out in our policy is gender neutral and it is not specified what items boys or girls should or should not wear within the permitted list. We recognise that for some of our families, religions or beliefs may require conformity to a particular dress code and we are sensitive to this. We believe that most requirements can be well met within our policy and we always aim to accommodate these, showing flexibility where there is a genuine reason to do so. However, it is important that any adaptations agreed do not compromise genuine health and safety concerns and therefore parents are requested to meet with a member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team to agree any adaptations. We also recognise that reasonable adjustments might need to be made for a pupil with a disability or special education need and there is flexibility within our policy for this. Parents should discuss any adaptations that may be required with the school.

Uniform Requirements

• Grey pinafore dress or skirt or grey / black trousers or shorts
• Burgundy school sweatshirt or cardigan (with or without the Hassocks Infant School logo)
• White shirt, blouse or polo shirt
• Pink/white or red/white checked/striped summer dress

P.E. uniform

• Black shorts, leggings or track suit bottoms
• White T-shirt
• Trainers or plimsolls - ideally slip on/Velcro style

Careful consideration has been taken regarding the cost and availability of our uniform for parents. Uniform with the school embroidered logo is optional and can be purchased from the school office. Our supplier has been chosen as representing good value for money. Other uniform items are widely available, at very competitive prices at local shops, including supermarkets.

Affordable Uniform

We appreciate that school uniform can be costly and our policy has taken this into consideration from the outset. We keep essential branded items to a minimum. Parents can decide to purchase branded or non-branded items for all of our uniform requirements.

For families in receipt of the Pupil Premium Grant, we are able to provide annually:

• A branded school sweatshirt
• A book bag with logo

Please speak to the school office if this is supportive.

Second-hand uniform

We also have access to high-quality second-hand uniform. Our PTA, the Friends of Hassocks Infant School (FoHIS) organise regular half-termly sales throughout the school year. The PTA also offers a service via their Facebook page, "FoHIS Second-hand uniforms" to purchase second-hand uniform at a much-reduced price.  During new starter open evenings second-hand uniform is also available to purchase, alongside new branded sweatshirts and book bags. Parents can also contact the school office team should they need any additional items outside of these sales.

Specific Requirements

• Footwear – Black, closed toe leather shoes should be worn. Please note, trainers should not be worn other than during PE sessions. Trainers, “fashion” shoes, heels, flip-flops or sandals are not suitable for school and are not part of the accepted uniform. If your child wears wellingtons boots into school during wet weather, please ensure they bring in their school shoes to change into once in school.

• Hair – Long hair should be tied back at all times with blain bands, ribbons or scrunchies.
• Jewellery – For health and safety reasons, jewellery should not be worn in school. This includes necklaces, rings and bracelets. Dangly earrings should not be worn in school. A plain stud in the ears is acceptable. School staff are not permitted to remove a child’s earrings.
• Watches - Children may wear a watch to school from Year 1 onwards. We do encourage families to avoid sending expensive watches into school as there is a risk that these may get damaged or lost. Watches should be removed during PE lessons or physical activity. The class teacher will ensure that these are stored out of sight, for example in a cupboard or drawer.