Downs Junior School Uniform Guidance
At Downs Junior School, we have a simple and practical uniform which all children are expected to wear.
We believe that wearing a school uniform:
- Promotes a sense of belonging and pride in the school
- Helps create a feeling of equality between pupils
- Ensures children are dressed in a safe, suitable and smart way
- Supports a calm environment where children can focus on learning
We aim to keep our uniform comfortable, flexible and affordable, with a range of options to suit different needs and preferences.
It is expected that all children attend school in appropriate school uniform, and families should ensure this is in place each day. We positively encourage children to wear the correct school uniform and will recognise this through our usual praise and reward systems.
Children will not be sanctioned for wearing incorrect uniform. Where there are ongoing concerns, staff may speak with pupils, parents or carers to understand any difficulties and to offer support.
Our School Uniform
Clothing
- · Plain navy or red sweatshirt, jumper or cardigan
- Plain navy, red or white polo shirt, t-shirt, shirt or blouse
- Plain navy, black or grey trousers, leggings, joggers, skirts, skorts, shorts, pinafore
- Blue or red gingham dress
- Year 6 – leavers' hoodies.
Footwear
- Plain black trainers, boots or shoes that are suitable for active play and the school day
- The same trainers can be worn for PE lessons
Jewellery and hair
- Jewellery should not be worn, except for watches and small stud earrings
- The school cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage
- No jewellery may be worn during PE
- Long hair should be tied back where appropriate as this can prevent the spread of head lice
If earrings cannot be removed for PE, they must be covered with micropore tape.
All uniform should be clean, comfortable and suitable for school, and plain without slogans, prominent logos or branding (such as sportswear logos); this helps to keep uniform affordable and avoids creating unnecessary pressure or comparison between pupils.
Religious or cultural items of clothing, including headscarves, may be worn where appropriate. We ask that these are practical and safe for school, and, wherever possible, are in plain school colours (such as navy, red, white, grey or black) and without large logos or embellishments. The school reserves the right to discuss any items that are not in keeping with the spirit of the uniform policy.
PE Kit
Children should come to school wearing their PE kit on their PE days. They will not be required to get changed in school. PE kit should be:
- Plain red, blue or white t-shirt or polo shirt
- Plain navy, black or grey sports shorts, leggings or joggers
- Trainers
Children who are not wearing appropriate clothing for PE may not be able to take part in the lesson for safety reasons. In these cases, they may be asked to sit out, observe, or work in another class. Most school uniform is suitable for physical activity, so we would not expect this to happen often
School Branded Items
There is no requirement for uniform to carry the school logo. All items can be purchased from a wide range of high street or supermarket retailers.
However, if you would like branded items (such as sweatshirts or polo shirts with the school logo) they are available from:
Sussex Uniforms
40 Blatchington Road, Hove BN3 3YH
01273 739676
www.sussexuniforms.co.uk
Naming Uniform
All items of clothing should be clearly named as named items that are lost are much more likely to be returned to the correct child. Items that are not named will be placed in lost property and, if not claimed, will eventually be added to our New to You pre-loved uniform collection.
Although we support children to look after their belongings, items can occasionally be lost or damaged. For this reason, we advise that children do not wear expensive clothing to school and encourage families to make use of our New to You pre-loved uniform service.
Pre-Loved Uniform
Pre-loved uniform is available through our New to You events, which take place regularly after school. Details are shared with parents via text but if you need any items in between these events, please ask at the school office.
Choosing pre-loved uniform is also a more sustainable option, helping to reduce waste and reuse good quality clothing. We welcome and appreciate parental support with our New to You pre-loved uniform service, including donations of clean, good quality items, as well as help with sorting uniform and running our New to You swap shop events. Please contact the school office if you are able to offer support.
Additional Needs
We recognise that some children, including those with SEND, may have sensory needs relating to clothing. The flexibility within our uniform is intended to support this. If the standard options do not meet your child’s needs, please speak to the Headteacher so that we can work together to find a suitable solution.
Our approach to uniform is intended to be inclusive, practical and fair. We recognise that families have different circumstances and will work with you to ensure children are appropriately dressed for school.