From September 2022, all eight primary schools in The Stour Academy Trust are going to trial an alternative uniform option for children in Reception which we are encouraging parents to choose.
Should the trial be successful, the Trust will consider introducing these alternative options for all children in 2023.
The alternative uniform options for Reception from September 2022 are:
- As an alternative to black or grey trousers, Reception children are encouraged to wear plain black tracksuit bottoms.
- As an alternative to sensible black shoes, Reception children are encouraged to wear sensible black trainers.
- As an alternative to a PE kit, Reception children are encouraged to wear their regular school clothes instead.
Each school has created a School Uniform Infographic for parents to explain the updates and remind them of the school uniform policy.
Annette Bevan
Annette Bevan, School Improvement Partner and Executive Headteacher at The Stour Academy Trust was able to explain the reasoning behind the changes.
“Physical development (PE) in Early Years is a Prime area which is planned for on a daily basis in the outside provision of the Reception class. Children learn the physical skills of negotiating space and obstacles safely, balance and coordination when playing and moving energetically, such as running, jumping, dancing, hopping, skipping and climbing. There is no need for formal PE lessons in the Early Years and to have PE kits in their first year at school. Therefore, it makes sense that children have comfortable clothing if they have access to both the indoor and outdoor provision on a daily basis.”
