School uniforms are a key way of developing a sense of

togetherness among students and staff, but the topic is

still one of the most widely debated outside of schools.
From dress codes to improved safety,
develop a greater sense of equality.
Children of all socioeconomic backgrounds begin from the same starting point.
Without uniforms, children from poorer backgrounds could feel isolated if their
parents are unable to afford the latest styles of clothing.

Reduce the potential for bullying

Without school uniforms, the potential for children to tease and make fun of
one another is increased. People use clothing to express themselves; children
are no different in this regard. Sadly, when a child expresses themselves in a
different way to everyone else, it can create a point of difference between one
child and another. Again, these differences can be amplified by socioeconomic
disparities between one child’s family and another.
Rather than build a sense of community and equality with a school uniform,
allowing children to wear what they like can create divisions between them.

3. Improve study ethic

If a child feels like they don’t fit in, or they don’t have the latest and best
clothing, it can be damaging to their confidence. A lack of confidence can be
one of the most significant barriers to academic growth. Introducing a school
uniform removes this possibility, meaning your child has less to worry about
and more reason to be confident in class.

4. Increase safety
children can immediately be recognised at a distance as a member of that
school. In a situation where someone who isn’t a member of the school is on-
site, they can be easily identified as not part of the school by their lack of
uniform.
This can be extended to days outside of school grounds. On day trips away,
children can easily be spotted among crowds thanks to their uniform. This can
be especially helpful when making school trips at the same time as other
schools, where large crowds of children mix with one another.

5. Fairer dress codes

When a school adopts a uniform, it creates a simple and standardised dress
code. When children are allowed to wear what they like, innumerable
variations mean schools must adopt a long list of dos and don’ts to formulate
their dress code. These dress codes are often harsher on girls too, making for
an unfair and unequal community.
By bringing in a uniform, schools can avoid complicated issues around modesty,
offensive symbols, and text, and remove any need for teachers to monitor what
children are wearing against this dress code.

6. Remove peer pressure

Children are often under some form of peer pressure but adopting a school
uniform can remove one form of it. Without a uniform, children can develop
expectations about what should be worn to fit into a certain group. Children
divide themselves into cliques and the sense of togetherness that a uniform
brings is lost.

7. Prepare for the outside world

School uniforms prepare children for formal scenarios that we all encounter in
our lives. Depending on the situation, we’re expected to dress and look a
certain way. Job interviews are a good example. Dressing professionally in
working environments is expected in adulthood, and this is something your
child will understand thanks to a school uniform.

8. Easy mornings for students and parents

As any parent knows, weekday mornings can be chaotic. It can be tricky enough
to get yourself ready for work without having to worry about how your child is
getting on too. That problem is amplified if your child doesn’t have a school
uniform to put on each morning, as they take their time to decide what to
wear. In the end, it could take away from what is important – your child’s
studies.
Uniforms remove one more thing from the ‘to-do’ list of mums and dads every
day.

9. Encourage professionalism
Some people believe that school uniforms contribute positively to a child’s
behaviour in school. Their uniform develops an affinity with learning. Once
they put it on, their purpose is to work hard at their studies. A sense of
professionalism develops within each child, leading to more focus in the
classroom.
10. Reduce Distractions
Uniforms make for one less distraction during school. By wearing what they
like, children can become more focused on their school status rather than their
studies. Fashion trends and owning the latest styles become the priority, and it
could lead to a downturn in that child’s progress at school.

To help protect your child, the school should have:

 staff who are trained to identify signs of abuse including what to do if

they or someone else is worried about a child
 a designated teacher responsible for dealing with child protection
 procedures for checking staff before they work with children
 a child protection policy which includes procedures to be followed if a
teacher or other member of staff is accused of harming a child

The school should teach your child how to protect themselves. Personal,
social and health education (PSHE) lessons explain:

 risky behaviour
 suitable and inappropriate physical contact
 dealing with peer pressure
Dealing with suspected cases of abuse

School staff will listen to and work closely with parents to make sure your child
feels safe and protected in the school environment.

If you suspect that a child is being abused, you should report it to police or
local social services. If you work in a school, you should tell the  teacher
responsible for child protection. They will take suitable action based on
procedures set out by the local safeguarding children board, letting the
authorities know where it is required.
Once the authorities are told, they will decide what to do. The school's role is
then limited. School staff will not take part in an investigation, though they may
be called on to give information. They may also be asked to give  support to
the child or young person.

To discuss concerns about child abuse contact:

 Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)

  Gateway Service Teams in the Health and Social Care Trusts
Preventing inappropriate relationships at school

It's a crime to have a sexual relationship with a child aged under 16. It’s also
an offence for an adult to have a sexual relationship with a young person
under 18 if the adult is in a ‘position of trust’ with that young person.

This covers relationships between school or college staff and students. It

applies as long as the young person is under 18, even if they are over the age
of legal consent – though there are some defences which can apply in limited
circumstances.

They keep parents informed about how the school works, what's coming
up and any issues teachers have come accross. This helps the school to
improve and ensures that parent's voices are heard - a win-win situation.
But the main reason for PTA meetings is to improve the learning
environement for students, ensuring that they learn to as higher
standard as possible. 

Working with your PTA makes for greater communication between home and
school, enables parents to have a voice, and also allows you to provide
students with opportunities they may not have had access to before. Here are
a few of the ways that you and your school can benefit from your PTA:

Why are PTA meetings Important? 

They keep parents informed about how the school works, what's coming
up and any issues teachers have come accross. This helps the school to
improve and ensures that parent's voices are heard - a win-win situation.
But the main reason for PTA meetings is to improve the learning
environement for students, ensuring that they learn to as higher
standard as possible.