The case for an always active uniform
Children come to school to learn and develop in all sorts of ways. They spend time running, painting, eating, and playing outside. Many schools require a formal, office-style uniform and children change into alternative clothing for sports activities. However, formal uniforms discourage full physical activity and don’t meet the needs of outdoor play.
Formal uniform
Formal uniforms are often outdated, irrelevant in a modern context, unfit for purpose and an unnecessary expense. They prevent children from moving freely and are restrictive to movement. They don't encourage chidren to cope with dirt, paint, food and whatever else they encounter while exploring the world through active play and learning.
Always active uniform
Always active uniforms are made from darker colours and breathable comfortable fabrics. They are not restrictive around the neck and have a loose cut to enable free movement. They are robust, easy to clean and cheap to replace. An always active uniform reduces the barriers to children running, jumping, rolling, climbing, exploring and moving in as many ways as possible as much as possible.
Gender and uniform
Although there is increasing freedom of choice for young girls around uniforms, there is still a gender imbalance around what boys/girls typically wear. This causes inequality of access to activities.
Girls in dresses, skirts, patent pumps and loafer or brogue style shoes, are dressed less safely for climbing, running, playing ball games etc. than boys in trainers and are likely to be more self-conscious.
Dresses and skirts often cause girls to become increasingly self-conscious in their movements, further contributing to lack of movement and activity.
Girls are more likely to get hurt in the kind of shoes that they often wear and, as a result, can be more wary and less active. Schools can promote increased physical activity for girls by having a gender-neutral always active uniform and ensuring all children have robust footwear.
Footwear
Throughout the school day, children will play on grass and in mud, sand, and water; they will do PE, have dance lessons, run around and climb. They need flexible, warm, sturdy shoes with good grips that allow for these activities.
Office-style shoes are inappropriate for the range of activities a primary-aged child should be experiencing in exploring the world. An always active uniform policy should promote suitable footwear, such as trainers and wellies, to support safe-enough play in all conditions.
Hygiene and sport
We have a duty of care in schools to teach children personal hygiene. Older children sweat more and may need to change after periods of high physical activity to develop healthy habits.
From Year 4 upwards, you may consider a change of clothes for PE while maintaining an always active uniform throughout the rest of the day.
Always active uniform checklist
The basics
- Non-white polo or t-shirt
- Black or navy joggers or leggings
- Sturdy dark trainers
- Sweatshirt with or without logo
*Supermarkets stock affordable white t-shirts so schools need to be careful about cost implications if t-shirts are coloured and less easy/more expensive to buy.
All-weather extras
Primary school children should be expected to be outside playing in all seasons and weathers. An all-weather uniform should include:
- A school pair of wellies
- A waterproof coat
- Winter gloves and hat
- Summer hat
- Summer shorts
Together, we can make
a difference
The Made to Move campaign isn’t just about changing clothes – it’s about changing the culture of our schools to prioritise active, healthy lifestyles. By embracing always active uniforms, schools will help shape a brighter, more inclusive future for every child.
For schools to pledge to change their uniform
For anyone to support the Alliance