Uniform

To promote the Maple ethos in school we are asking all students, parents and carers to support our school uniform policy.

School uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to the ethos of a school and setting an appropriate tone. A uniform supports positive behaviour; ensures pupils of all races and backgrounds feel welcome; protects children from social pressures to dress in a particular way; nurtures cohesion and promotes good relations between different groups of pupils. Governors and parents support the wearing of uniform and recognise the contribution this makes towards the school ethos. The Maple School also recognises the need to support students to develop sensible habits of dress and prepare themselves for dress codes in later life. While parents overwhelmingly support our uniform policy, some do not actively enforce the wearing of uniform by their children and so we must enforce this at school.

Our uniform policy applies all year round. There are no specific winter or summer variations.

Required Uniform – Branded

• Black school jumper with the embroidered Maple School logo

• Green polo shirt with the Maple School logo

Required Uniform – Non Branded

• Plain black trousers (not jeans)

• Plain black tailored shorts

• Plain black skirt of an appropriate length and suitable for a school environment

• All-black footwear with no identifiable markings (trainers or shoes acceptable)

• Plain black socks or tights

Where an item does not need to carry the Maple School logo, parents may purchase suitable generic alternatives from a retailer of their choice provided they meet the stated description and colour requirements.

PE Kit

Students are able to engage in PE lessons wearing their green polo shirt.  A separate lightweight branded black T shirt is available as an optional item if students wish to purchase one.  Students are allowed to wear the black PE top as their uniform top on days they have PE. The Maple School does not have any other specific requirements around PE kit.

No student will be prevented from participating in physical activity because of the cost of PE clothing.

Second Hand Uniform

Maple School will maintain opportunities for families to obtain second-hand uniform. Information regarding available items can be obtained from the school office and will be made available to both current and prospective families. The school will encourage donations of good-quality uniform where possible.

Uniform Suppliers

Maple School is a small school and as such the only place where you can purchase branded items is via the school office.  We have explored using multiple suppliers and local uniform shops but it is not cost effective for suppliers due to the small number of students.

If parents/carers are able to source plain polo shirts or jumpers in the same colour as the school polo shirts, we will make an electronic copy of the logo available on request for private embroidery for personal use only. This logo would be available for personal use only and not for commercial reproduction.

The school will periodically review its arrangements to ensure they continue to provide the best value for money, quality and durability for families. 

Cost of Uniform

Maple School has a duty to ensure that uniform requirements are affordable, in line with statutory DfE guidance. We recognise that distinctive items (logos, unique colours, branded items) can increase cost. Therefore, we commit to ensuring our uniform:

• Is available at a reasonable cost.

• Provides best value for money for families.

The Maple School uniform contains 3 branded items, 2 of these are compulsory.  Students must have a Maple polo shirt (Green) and a Maple jumper (Black).  A branded PE top is available but students are able to take part in PE wearing their green polo shirt and as such this item is not deemed compulsory.

Maple School will comply with statutory guidance regarding branded uniform items. The school will require no more compulsory branded items than permitted under current Department for Education guidance and will keep branded requirements to the absolute minimum necessary.

Jewellery & Personal Items

• Student can wear a maximum one stud earring per ear; students must remove earrings for PE.

• No other visible piercings are allowed.

• No rings are allowed due to safety.

• Necklaces/bracelets must be kept inside clothing and removed for PE.

Makeup, Nails & Grooming

• Makeup should not be noticeable.

• False eyelashes must not present a health and safety risk and may be prohibited where they interfere with learning or participation in school activities

• Nails must be an appropriate length for safe participation in activities.