WELSH GOVERNMENT RULES IN FORCE FROM SEPTEMBER
SCHOOL uniforms in Wales are set to become gender-neutral under new guidelines from the Welsh Government.
The new policy means uniform will be expected to be gender-neutral and when a list of clothing items is published by the school, they would not be assigned to a specific gender - meaning that items like trousers or shorts would not be described as “for boys”.
It also means schools can no longer have different uniform codes for boys and girls.
The new statutory guidance, which comes into force on September 1, means parents will be able to lodge official complaints if schools do not comply.
Governors and head teachers will need to demonstrate they have followed the statutory guidance.
The previous policy, issued in 2011, was non-statutory, which meant schools had no obligation to regard it.
Following the summer heat wave
last year, a consultation was launched in the autumn where parents claimed the current uniform policies were too strict.
During the consultation, respondents backed the introduction of gender-neutral uniforms. Other new guidelines due to come into force in the autumn term include making sure governing bodies consider ways of keeping down the costs of school uniforms.
This could include stipulating basic items and colours but not styles, which would mean clothing could be bought from different shops rather than locking parents into buying from a single supplier.
They will also be expected to consider whether logos are “strictly necessary” and whether there is a need for different summer and winter uniforms.
It is expected the new rules will also extend to PE kits.
Minister for Education Kirsty Williams said: “Families will know how expensive new uniforms can be.
“This guidance puts a statutory responsibility on schools to consider the affordability, access and availability when setting their school uniform and appearance policy.
“Along with PDG (pupil development grant) access, this guidance will help reduce the burden on families, so our children can focus on fulfilling their potential and enjoying a healthy academic and social life.
“We should not be enforcing outdated ideas of what clothes are suitable for their gender, especially if it makes them wear something they feel uncomfortable wearing.
“This new guidance makes clear that school uniform policies should not dictate items of clothing based on gender.”
The Welsh Government offers £125 for students eligible for free school meals to help meet the cost of uniforms and other equipment through the pupil development grant.
Parents of eligible Year 7 pupils are also entitled to a grant of £200 to help with the costs when starting secondary school.
The move to use statutory guidance on school uniforms in Wales is a contrast to current rules in England, where the Department for Education has voluntary guidelines.