Uniform
At Holmfirth J I & N School, we do not have a formal school uniform. However, we ask that children come to school dressed in sensible, comfortable clothing and footwear that is suitable for learning and participation in all school activities.
As Outdoor Learning forms an important part of our curriculum throughout the year, it is essential that children are appropriately dressed for the weather. During the colder months, please ensure your child has warm outdoor clothing, including a suitable coat. In warmer weather, children should wear comfortable clothing that provides appropriate coverage (for example, no bare shoulders) and offers protection from the sun.
Jewellery should not be worn to school, with the exception of simple stud earrings for children with pierced ears. Please note that children in Year 4 participate in swimming lessons, and Department for Education guidance requires earrings to be removed before entering the pool. Children must therefore be able to remove and replace their own earrings independently. For this reason, we recommend avoiding ear piercing during Year 4, as children will be unable to participate in swimming lessons until they can remove their earrings themselves.
PE and Outdoor Learning
For health and safety reasons, long hair must be tied back at all times during PE and Outdoor Learning activities.
All children should have appropriate PE clothing, including:
- A T-shirt
- Shorts
- Trainers or pumps
- A fleece or tracksuit bottoms during colder weather (optional but recommended)
Children no longer change into PE kits at school before lessons. This practice was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been retained because it allows children to spend less time changing and more time being active.
Children should therefore come to school already dressed in their PE kit on the days when they have PE or Outdoor Learning. Class teachers will inform parents and carers of these days at the beginning of each term.
Mobile Phones and Smart Wearable Technology
Wherever possible, children should not bring mobile phones to school.
If there is a specific reason why your child needs a mobile phone, it must not be used during the school day. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 must hand their phones to their class teacher at the start of the day. Phones will be stored securely and returned to pupils at the end of the school day. Please note that the school cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to mobile phones brought onto the premises.
We recognise that some pupils may own smart watches or other wearable technology. Following advice from our Data Protection Officer, smart watches and similar devices should not be worn in school. If a child brings such a device to school, they will be asked to switch it off, and it will be stored alongside mobile phones until the end of the school day.
Winter Term: Appropriate Clothing and Footwear
When we head into he colder months, here is a reminder to parents and carers about the expectations for children’s clothing and footwear at school to ensure comfort, safety, and full participation in outdoor activities.
Footwear:
Children should wear sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear such as waterproof boots or trainers. These should be suitable for outdoor learning and play. If a child arrives in footwear that is not appropriate for cold or wet conditions, they may not be able to take part in certain outdoor activities.
Not permitted:
Open-toed shoes, canvas trainers, and footwear with poor grip are not suitable during winter and should not be worn to school.
Clothing:
Please ensure your child comes to school dressed warmly. This includes:
- A coat suitable for cold and wet weather
- Gloves and a hat for outdoor play
- Layers such as jumpers or fleeces under their coat
- Waterproof jacket/coat if rain is forecast and your child will be learning outside would be ideal
Spare items:
You may wish to send a spare pair of socks or gloves in your child’s bag, especially on wet or snowy days.
Thank you for helping us keep all children safe, warm, and ready to learn!
Summer Term: Appropriate Clothing and Footwear
When we head into the summer months, here is a reminder for parents and carers and carers about the expectations for children’s clothing and footwear at school to ensure comfort, safety, and full participation in outdoor activities.
Footwear: All children must wear appropriate footwear or trainers suitable for PE and outdoor learning. Unfortunately, if a child arrives in unsuitable footwear, they will not be able to take part in these activities that day.
Not permitted: Flip-flops, backless sandals, Crocs, and shoes with heels should not be worn to school for safety reasons.
Clothing: During warmer weather, please ensure your child wears a top that covers their shoulders. No crop tops.
Sun protection: We recommend applying sunscreen before school and providing a sunhat, especially for younger children, to help protect them during outdoor activities. Please do not send sunscreen bottles into school.