Ridgeway Farm CE Academy Uniform Policy
Our Active School Uniform
At Ridgeway Farm CE Academy, we want every child to be active, comfortable and ready to learn throughout the school day.
As an active school, our uniform is designed so that children can move freely and take part in PE, OPAL play, outdoor learning, active breaks and the wider curriculum without needing to change into a separate PE kit.
From EYFS to Year 6, all children wear the same Active School Uniform throughout the school day.
What children should wear
Sports T-shirt
A Ridgeway Farm branded navy sports T-shirt or a plain navy short-sleeved sports T-shirt.
Shorts, jogging bottoms or leggings
Children may wear:
- Ridgeway Farm branded navy sports shorts;
- plain navy sports shorts;
- plain navy sports jogging bottoms; or
- plain navy opaque sports leggings.
Jogging bottoms and leggings are not part of our branded range and can be purchased from any retailer.
Sports hoodie
A Ridgeway Farm branded sports hoodie or a plain navy pullover sports hoodie.
The generic hoodie must be an over-the-head/pullover hoodie. Zip-through hoodies, cardigans, tracksuit jackets, quarter-zip tops and fleeces are not part of our Active School Uniform.
Trainers
Children should wear suitable trainers that allow them to participate safely and comfortably in physical activity throughout the day. Trainers should be white or black in colour. Small patches of other colours or logos are allowed as long as these are discrete. No football astro boots are allowed.
Branded uniform is optional
Families do not have to purchase Ridgeway Farm branded uniform.
Our branded sports T-shirt, shorts and hoodie are available for families who would like them, but plain navy generic equivalents are equally acceptable.
This means that a child can wear our full Active School Uniform without owning any school-branded clothing.
Generic items should be plain navy and should not have large or prominent fashion, designer or sports-brand logos. Small, discreet manufacturer logos are acceptable.
Why an Active Uniform?
Our Active Uniform reflects our commitment to helping every child Believe • Learn • Grow.
It enables children to:
- be active throughout the school day;
- participate immediately in PE and physical activity;
- enjoy OPAL play and outdoor learning comfortably;
- avoid losing learning time by changing for PE;
- wear practical and comfortable clothing; and
- have an affordable uniform that can be purchased from a wide range of retailers.
There is no separate PE kit and children do not need to bring additional clothes for normal curriculum PE.
Jewellery, piercings, hair and watches
For safety, jewellery is not permitted other than small stud earrings and a simple watch. Children must be able to remove stud earrings independently when required for PE, unless an individual arrangement has been agreed.
Facial and body piercings, including nose, lip, eyebrow and tongue piercings, must not be worn in school.
Smartwatches and other personal wearable smart devices are not permitted. This includes devices capable of connecting to a phone, receiving notifications or messages, making calls, accessing the internet, taking photographs or making recordings.
Hair should be safe and practical for school activities and tied back where necessary. Bright or unnatural artificial hair colours are not permitted. Our expectations respect natural hair, protective hairstyles and hairstyles associated with racial, cultural or religious identity.
Individual adjustments will always be considered where required because of SEND, disability, medical, religious or other protected needs.
Second-hand uniform and help with costs
We want our uniform to be affordable for every family.
Good-quality second-hand uniform is available through school, subject to availability. There is no requirement to make a donation to receive second-hand uniform. Voluntary donations to ROOTS of Ridgeway Farm are always appreciated but are entirely optional.
Families who need support with uniform costs are encouraged to contact the school office or Headteacher in confidence. We never want the cost of uniform to become a barrier to attendance or participation.
Buying branded uniform
Our optional Ridgeway Farm branded sports T-shirt, sports shorts and sports hoodie are available from Famous Schoolwear by Monkhouse.
Please remember that purchasing branded uniform is a choice, not a requirement. Plain navy equivalents are equally acceptable.
You can order uniform from Monkhouse, located in your Swindon branch. Click here to visit their website.
Please click here for a Parent Guide from our uniform supplier, Monkhouse.
TOP TIP!
Use sew in or iron on name labels in EVERYTHING! 30 navy Ridgeway Farm CE Academy sweatshirts all look the same and ordinary pen often becomes illegible or wears off after a few washes! Fabric pens are another option. For marking the navy PE bags or book bags, silver sharpie pens work well.