Uniform helps pupils behave better and work smarter
PARENTS, STAFF AND PUPILS BACKED THE HISTORIC MOVE
AN improvement in pupils’ behaviour, attendance and achievement at a Derby school is being attributed to the introduction of a uniform for the first time at the school.
Kingsmead School, which is spread across three sites in the city, brought in the uniform at the start of the autumn term after parents, pupils and staff voted unanimously for r it.
The school, which caters aters for children with social, emomotional and mental al health issues, has pro- vided every child with a black sweatshirt and polo shirt to help embed the change in culture and expectations.
After just five weeks, teachers are e already reporting better ter behaviour from pupils, upils, attendance levels have e gone up
– and staff have noted a greater enthusiasm for learning across every site.
Dave Burrows, special school deputy, said: “We were certain that the introduction of a dress code would have an effect on pupils but I think we’ve been surprised by just how striking the change has been.
“It’s brought in a genuine sense of belonging and unity both on site and in the community and behaviour and work ethic is significantly improved. “Attendance has been brilliant and I’m sure this is in part related to the uniform. There’s no peer pressure and children from a range of backgrounds are on a level footing.”
The Kingsmead School is made up of a special school in Brighton Road, in Alvaston, a hospital medical school based in Castleward and a pupil referral unit in Bridge Brid Street. Many o of the pupils have sensor sensory needs so the staff rese researched the most com comfortable uniforms a and allow pupils to wear black jogging bottoms and trainers, providing they are unbranded. Mr Burrows added: “We sent questionaires to parents and asked pupils to vote as well. “Parents said it would take the pressure away from needing to provide the latest Nike top and although we weren’t necessarily expecting pupils to buy into the concept, they said they were very happy with it. “The uniform embeds a culture where pupils are ready to learn, where they are proud of their school and is helping aid concentration and productivity.”
The uniform embeds a culture where pupils are ready to learn, where they are proud of their school. Dave Burrows