All North Lanarkshire schools must have a dress code which encourages pupils to dress in a way which is appropriate to attendance at school. This dress code must not lead to direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, gender or disability. Prior to drawing up the dress code the parents, pupils and staff were fully consulted. It is the expectation of the education authority that parents will be keen to support the dress code and written agreement may be sought.
Clothing which is unacceptable under any circumstances includes items which;
- could potentially, encourage factions (e.g. football colours)
- could cause offence (e.g. anti religious symbolism or political slogans)
- could cause health and safety difficulties such as loose fitting clothing,dangling earrings and other potentially dangerous jewellery
- are of flammable material which may be a danger in certain classes (e.g. shell suits)
- could cause damage to flooring
- carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco and
- could be used to inflict damage on other pupils or be used by others to do so.
Please note that only stud earrings are permissible in school. Children may be asked to tape over their ear-rings for PE to prevent injury to themselves or others during specific activities.
Parents in receipt of a grant for footwear and clothing from the council will be encouraged to purchase items which are in accordance with the school dress code. Approval of any requests for such grants in other circumstances are at the discretion of the executive director of learning and leisure services. Information and application forms may be obtained from any school or area office. Parents are entitled to receive a clothing grant if they are in receipt of any of the following benefits: income support, job seeker’s allowance (income based), housing benefit, council tax rebate.
Whilst in general terms it would not normally be the policy of the authority to exclude a pupil from school solely on the basis of his/her dress, persistent refusal to respond to a reasonable dress code might be deemed to be a serious challenge to the head teacher’s authority and be detrimental to the well being of the whole school community. In such circumstances a head teacher could justify the use of the school discipline procedure.
All children in Ladywell Primary School wear their uniform and for the benefit of entrants, the uniform is noted below.
- Grey/Black – Skirt/Trousers/Leggings
- Ladywell Tartan Skirt
- White – Blouse/Shirt
- Grey – Pullover/Sweatshirt
- Black/Gold – Tie
- White – Polo Shirt
- Black – Shorts
- Yellow checked – Summer dress
- Yellow – Baseball cap
- Black – Woollen ski hat
- Black – Waterproof jacket
- Black – Fleece
The tie, sweatshirts, polo shirts, tartan skirts, yellow PE tops, grey sweater vests, fleeces and waterproof jackets, yellow caps & black hats (with Ladywell badge on them) may be ordered throughout the year from school. Although blazers look very smart they are not a practical item of clothing as they spend most of their time in school on the floor of the cloakroom!
Many children wear training shoes to school everyday but a change of shoes is still required. This ensures children have a dry pair of shoes for indoor use and shoes suitable for indoor PE and for walking around the carpeted areas of the school.
It would be appreciated if parents would ensure that their children’s names are clearly marked on all clothing and equipment. All grey sweatshirts are not only the same but also often the same size.
The council wishes to minimise claims arising from the loss of pupils’ clothing and/or personal belongings. Parents are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items of clothing, jewellery etc., are not brought to school. Parents should note that any claims submitted to cover the loss of such items are likely to be met only where the authority can be shown to have been negligent.