VIEWS & OPINION
Uniform a huge benefit to pupils as schools get ready to re-open
Comment by MATTHEW EASTER, co-chair of the Schoolwear Association
Parents will undoubtedly be very relieved following the recent announcements that schools will be reopening across the UK in the coming weeks, as trying to replicate school at home over the lockdown periods has been challenging to say the least, alongside the wider concerns over children’s mental health. Getting back to school is therefore generally seen as a positive step to returning to normal life and school uniform will help to play an important part in this transition.
A YouGov poll last June showed that two thirds of parents said keeping their children disciplined and motivated was either very or fairly hard while home schooling. After such a disrupted period in the last 12 months, educators now have quite a job on their hands to get children back into a positive mindset for learning and into the routine of school. However, the act of putting on school uniform as part of a return to the classroom will help to get pupils prepared for learning again, reinforcing that ‘it’s time to get back to normal’ and that they are part of the team again with their cohort.
Even despite the effects of the pandemic, the benefits of school uniform are widely accepted, with 95% of school leaders believing a school- specific uniform helps to promote pride and belonging for pupils. Two out of three guardians also agreed that removing a school-specific uniform would increase bullying and undermine social cohesion in schools. This is arguably more important than ever, given the social separation that children have experienced over the last year.
Compared to throwaway fashions, or lower quality high-street or supermarket alternatives, a good quality school uniform is designed to be worn and washed repeatedly, making one purchase last far longer. At a time when many households’ finances are stretched, the value and affordability of a well-made uniform is therefore even more relevant. The largest survey of uniform in the UK found that the true cost of a quality uniform is substantially lower than some inflated figures promoted in the media, with the average cost of all compulsory secondary school uniform and sportswear costing around £100 per pupil, or just £36.24 a year when the garments’ lifespan is taken into account.
We found that six in ten school leaders believe that a school uniform can improve students’ educational outcomes, and four in ten believe it aids concentration in the classroom. These first few months of moving between home schooling and back to school, alongside external factors such as parents returning to work are likely to cause indirect distractions for school children. Measures must be put in place to maintain an undisrupted education.
Dr Ameera Khadaroo, a lecturer in the psychology of fashion at University of the Arts London agrees. She said: “Resuming lessons after a rather long period of social isolation can be a difficult transition for children. From a developmental psychological perspective this can be a challenging experience for young people. Uniforms can help facilitate this process by reminding school children of their identity as a learner.”
Government guidance remains highly supportive of the benefits of uniform and this certainly echoes with the feedback we receive from schools, parents, and pupils. Now, as we take our first steps towards normality, it’s critical that the important role school uniform plays is recognised and reinforced by all.
Seven steps towards student wellbeing
Comment by NATHALIE RICHARDS, CEO and founder of student wellbeing social enterprise EduKit
There is worrying evidence that the Covid-19 crisis is leaving a legacy of poor mental health among young people.
According to an NHS survey, one in six (16.0%) children aged 5 to 16 years were identified as having a probable mental disorder in 2020 increasing from one in nine (10.8%) in 2017. The increase was evident in both boys and girls.
However, emotional wellbeing and resilience – often referred to as ‘softer’ skills – are critical as young people prepare for the future. So how can schools support their students’ wellbeing?
• Develop a wellbeing strategy Wellbeing is as essential as curriculum planning, HR and finance so it needs to be directed from the top. Ensure all staff in your school have training so they can spot the signs when a student is having difficulties and step in to help before an issue turns into a crisis.
• Create a culture of openness Make sure wellbeing is part of the conversation across your school. If staff are happy to, encourage them to talk honestly with young people about challenges they have overcome in their own lives. This will break down the stigma of mental health difficulties.
• Tackle feelings of isolation If children and young people are learning from home due to Covid restrictions, they may feel lonely. Find ways to help students interact positively online. If your school runs live online sessions, try opening these up early so young people have the opportunity to have a chat before lessons.
• Put resilience on the curriculum Young people need a toolkit of skills to help them cope with life’s ups and downs at school and beyond. That’s why resilience should be on the curriculum alongside maths, arts and sciences. Resilience courses could include mindfulness workshops, exercise groups or tips on keeping a journal.
• Understand your students’ issues Knowing that anxiety or self-harm are on the rise in school allows you to direct resources into helping your most vulnerable students. Run a short survey each week or month to find out how students are feeling and what difficulties they’re facing. Digital tools and apps make surveys quick to administer and results easy to analyse.
• Promote student support services Not all students know what pastoral care your school is offering. Launch a new campaign to raise awareness of student support. Use social media to remind students how to access help, and keep wellbeing at the top of students’ minds throughout the academic year.
• Engage parents and carers Many parents are concerned about their child’s wellbeing and would benefit from sources of help and advice. Strengthen home-school links with regular contact by phone or video conferencing and set up an online group where parents can share experiences.
If wellbeing is at the heart of school life, children will be ready to deal with the challenges life throws at them, now and in the future.
March 2021
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