UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS from SEPTEMBER 2015 Information for Students, Staff & Parents

At Helsby High School we strive to maintain high standards, including those relating to suitable clothing and appearance for school. The reputation of Helsby High School is influenced by the behaviour and appearance of its students. Our dress code is designed to encourage a smart and business-like style, appropriate to a modern learning environment. The dress code is intended to provide the opportunity for collective pride in our school as well as a clear structure for students and parents to follow. The overriding principle to the dress code is that uniform should be worn smartly and neatly at all times. Mr J. Cooney, Mr P. Howe & Ms C. Simmonds Key Stage Leaders (June 2015)

Shoes The school uniform policy states that a student’s school shoes should be plain black or brown and not fashion shoes, boots or trainers We are pleased that the vast majority of our students take pride in their appearance and follow the uniform policy Throughout the 2014 – 15 academic year, school staff have been advising those students who are not wearing correct footwear to ensure they purchase the correct footwear for the start of the new school year (guidance is on the school website to help with this) For the start of the new academic year, we expect all students to comply with the uniform policy on shoes

Shoes

Skirts Bottle green plain skirt - straight or pleated. The skirt must be no more that 10 cm above or below the central part of the knee cap. The style should allow for easy movement. The style must be appropriate for the range of school activities i.e. not excessively tight or fitted. Skirts that are denim, cord, canvas or have more than 2% lycra or elastine content are not acceptable. Mini skirts or skirts with a high slit are not allowed. ‘A Line’ stretch tube style skirts are not allowed. The skirt must not be rolled up over the waistband.

Skirts 5’9” Year 10 Student From HHS in a 26” waist and 22” length 5’8” Year 10 Student from HHS in a 28” waist and 22” length Our uniform shop does not currently stock 22” length for the smaller waist sizes of 22” to 26”. We currently stock 22” length for the waist sizes 28” to 34”. We can order direct from the supplier on a one to one basis for a skirt which has 22” length and has a waist size 24” or 26”. There may be a wait of up to one week for this to be delivered to school. For a waist size of 22” there is no 22” length available. In this situation please speak to your Year Leader.

Alternative Suppliers of Skirts: Please Note: As a result of parent, student and staff feedback consideration is being given to all girls wearing pleated skirts from September 2016.

Jewellery Our school uniform policy – as published on the website states that: “No jewellery should be worn other than a watch” (boys), and “Girls may wear one stud in each lower earlobe, if they have pierced ears, no other piercings are permitted. No nose, tongue studs or other facial piercings to be worn. No other jewellery should be worn apart from a watch.” We are pleased that the vast majority of our students take pride in their appearance and follow the uniform policy For the start of the new academic year, we expect all students to comply with the uniform policy on shoes

“Your Voice” Finally…a reminder Uniform policy is non-negotiable If you make a positive choice to come to this school, you are ‘signing up’ & agreeing to the expectations here BUT: If you do want to influence what happens at this school in the future, you (and your parents), can have a say… We do parental surveys (eg at Consultation evenings), have parental forums and parents can school any time they like We do student survey, we have student voice groups, we have SV suggestion box, we have SV

The VoiceBox In the Breakout - here it is…. Use the suggestion slips to provide: feedback, suggestions, ideas, wants…… Checked regularly by staff.