It is our policy that all children should wear school uniform when attending school, or when participating in a school-organised event outside normal school hours. We respectfully request that before purchasing any item that is not specifically listed that you check with school to ensure suitability. It is our aim to keep our uniform consistent. We ask that all parents support our effort to make all aspects of our school outstanding and we believe, as far as possible, a strict adherence to our uniform policy helps.
At Southill, we believe that a school uniform:
- promotes a sense of pride in the school;
- engenders a feeling of community and belonging;
- supports positive behaviour and discipline;
- is practical and smart;
- identifies the children with the school, and encourages identity with the school;
- makes children feel equal to their peers in terms of appearance;
- prevents children coming to school in fashion or ‘designer’ label clothes that could be distracting in class or create a sense of competition;
- is regarded as suitable, appropriate and value for money by most parents.
The Role of Parents/Carers
We ask all parents who send their children to our school to support the school uniform policy.
Southill Primary welcomes children from all backgrounds and faith communities. If there are strong reasons, e.g. on religious grounds, why parents would like their child to wear clothes that differ from school uniform, the school will give consideration to such requests. Similarly, should an item of school uniform prove problematic for a pupil with disabilities, parents are invited to draw this to the attention of the headteacher.
The Role of Governors
The governing body supports the headteacher in implementing the school uniform policy, and liaises with the headteacher to ensure that the policy is implemented fairly and with sensitivity. It is the governors’ responsibility to ensure the school uniform meets all national regulations concerning equal opportunities, and that our school uniform policy is consistent with our policy on equal opportunities. Governors ensure that the school uniform policy helps children to dress sensibly, in clothing that is hardwearing, safe and practical.
Clothing Grant
School can provide assistance for uniform. The Governors have decided that the criteria for this assistance is that parents must be entitled to free school meals for their child. Vouchers will be provided for purchase of school uniform during the school year. For further information, please contact the office staff.
Second-hand uniform
Second-hand uniforms can benefit all parents, not just those on lower incomes. It is also better for the planet, as selling uniform in this way can extend the life of garments and therefore cut down on waste. We are able to supply second-hand uniform through FOSS, the friends of Southill School. You can contact them about this in a number of ways:
- through the school office
- via the FOSS Facebook page
- through the FOSS events website
Uniform Guidance
Jewellery
On health and safety grounds we do not allow children to wear jewellery in our school, except for watches and small ear-studs.
Rec/KS1 (up to and including Year 2) children should not wear any earrings to school – if you do wish to have your child’s ears pierced, please wait until the summer break so they have time to heal.
KS2 (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6) children may wear simple, small studs. These must be removed by the child before P.E.
Hairstyles
The school aims to maintain a focused learning environment, so we kindly ask that children’s hairstyles do not become a distraction to others. Parents are reminded that hair braids with beads are not allowed, and hair should be kept in natural colours. For those with long hair, please ensure it is tied up using small and simple accessories such as ribbons, bows, bobbles, hair bands or slides. For short hair, we request that it remains neat and tidy. While we do not require specific styles or lengths, we ask that you avoid tramlines or shapes cut into the hair.
Footwear
All children are required to wear plain black shoes. This helps maintain uniformity and reduces competitiveness related to branded footwear. Trainers and canvas shoes are not permitted (except on PE days). To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our pupils, shoes with platform soles, open-toed sandals, or high heels are not allowed. These styles can pose safety risks during school activities.
During the winter months, plain black boots are acceptable. This ensures that children are comfortable and warm while adhering to our uniform policy. We encourage all pupils to wear practical shoes that are well-maintained. This reflects our commitment to a smart appearance and instills pride in our school identity.
The Southill School uniform can be purchased from two suppliers
- Dorset Print and Embroidery, Lynch Lane, Weymouth
- Dorset Schoolwear Shop, Caroline Place, Weymouth
All articles of clothing should be labelled clearly with the child’s name. Please click here to download the school uniform factsheet – all the information you need on one handy sheet!
- Branded Southill Primary sweatshirt, cardigan or fleece
- White polo shirt or plain white cotton shirt
- Black or grey trousers, skirt, shorts or skorts (no jeans or leggings)
- Black, grey or white socks
- Black/grey pinafore dress, straight or pleated school skirt (blue gingham dress in summer)
- Black or grey tights
- Black or grey pinafore dress or blue gingham in summer
- Black shoes or boots (no trainers, canvas, open-toed sandals or high heels – any logos or branding should be black too)
PE Kit
- T Shirt in house team colours
- Plain hoodie in house team colours OR usual school jumper
- Black shorts
- Black, grey or white socks
- Trainers
Most parents try hard to support our uniform policy and so it is not fair on the majority if individual children wear anything very different.
Extreme Weather
Children should dress appropriately for extreme weather conditions. In the summer it is vital that children have a protective sun hat or cap. Sun cream should be applied to children before they arrive at school on hot summer days. Boots and sufficiently warm waterproof coats should be provided in extremely wet or snowy weather.