Aston Village Educate Together, Dunlin Street, Aston Village, Drogheda, Co Louth

Principal: Pauline Loreille Tel: 041 984 9001 Mobile: 087 641 6515

email:  office@astonvillageetns.com Roll No 20294I Charity No. 20204964

Dress Code for staff and pupils in Aston Village Educate Together National School

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Dress Code Guidelines

It is understood that schools are places of work and active learning and that appropriate choices about clothing will be made by pupils and staff with this in mind. The guidelines below are provided to assist with this decision-making process.

• It is expected that students and staff will wear clothes and footwear that are clean, safe and comfortable and that allow freedom of movement to participate in active learning.  Pupils and staff are reminded that during the school day they may be involved in activities that require them to stand, sit, lie-down, walk, run, ascend or descend stairs, lift and carry items etc. and clothes should allow for these actions to be performed without restriction or concern about clothing or footwear interfering or being unsuitable for such activities.
• It is expected that students and staff will be outdoors during the school day and that clothing will be suitable bearing in mind the weather conditions.
• It is expected that clothing will fit properly and cover the majority of the body with the exception of the head*, face*, neck, arms, and legs from the knees down. In this respect, it is expected that clothing will cover and conceal underwear and that clothing will not be see-through. (*This does not prohibit the covering of the head or partial covering of the face for religious, ethnic or cultural reasons. It is expected that all students and staff will be identifiable and that any coverings (including hats, caps and sunglasses) will not interfere with communication during teaching and learning activities.)
• It is expected that clothing will be an appropriate length without rips or tears (as rips or tears could increase the risk of catching on equipment, handles, etc. and the risk of falling or tripping).
• It is expected that children will be writing, typing or engaged in practical tasks throughout the school day which the wearing of false / acrylic nails would impede.
• Aston Village Educate Together National school guarantees equality of esteem to all pupils and by extension, staff members; consequently, it is expected that all members of the school community will avoid the display of offensive slogans, graphics or words on clothing and/ or accessories. (Offensive words or slogans are taken to be anything that may be considered a violation of Human Rights, National Law or the Educate Together Charter and includes curse words and discriminatory language or phrases.)
• It is expected that jewellery worn by students and staff will not pose a safety risk in learning or physical activities which take place throughout the school day. 
• It is expected that all footwear will be securely fastened and allow freedom of movement.
• Some classes will require specific clothing.  

• Science/ Cooking/ Art / ICT

It is expected that students and staff will comply with Health and Safety regulations when working with equipment and tools. This may entail the wearing of protective gear, tying back loose hair, tucking in loose fitting clothes, removing jewellery etc.

• PE and Sporting Activities

It is expected that sportswear and trainers/ runners will be worn for sporting activities and PE. It is expected that no jewellery other than a sports watch will be worn when engaging in PE and sporting activities.

• It is expected that students would not bring or wear items (with the exception of following medical advice) that could distract from or reduce their full participation in all activities or could pose a safety risk if caught or accidentally pulled. Examples of this may include make up, false eyelashes, lip products, certain types of jewellery etc.
• As staff members are role models for students in Educate Together schools and thus, occupy a position of influence, it is expected that they will not wear clothing or accessories that support an ongoing political campaign. Staff can reveal their views or support for political campaigns in the context of a relevant discussion in class but it is expected that they will not promote a political view or campaign while involved in work for, in, or on behalf of, an Educate Together school.

It is recognised that as learning environments, schools provide many opportunities to learn about personal presentation in differing circumstances and it is assumed that such discussions will be had at relevant times. For example, for certain events and special occasions, more formal dress may be appropriate. Students and staff can use these opportunities to explore what is expected in these situations and learn how to develop and manage their sense of self and their responsibilities within different contexts.

Advice for Managing Disagreement or Misunderstandings about the Dress Code

The main purpose of these dress code guidelines is to ensure that students and staff are able to participate safely and comfortably in teaching and learning in schools on a daily basis. As a result, a concern about clothing should only be raised if:

1. It prevents or disrupts effective participation in an activity
2. It impacts on the safety of the student(s) or staff
3. It is causing discomfort for the student(s) or staff (either physically by restricting movement or emotionally as a result of offensive language or slogans)

In general, each individual in the school community is responsible for their own adherence to the dress code and not for monitoring others. It is not recommended that specific staff members be given the role of monitoring students’ clothing and footwear as engaging with students whose clothing raises a concern as a result of one of the three issues highlighted above falls within a teacher’s duty of care to their students and thus, is every teacher’s responsibility.

Where intervention is required with a student or staff member as a result of one of these 3 issues, it is important to be mindful that these dress code guidelines are intended to promote respect and dignity for all and this should form the basis of any communication.

Staff should endeavour to prevent any potential embarrassment for the individual(s) concerned if notifying children about adhering to the dress code. If the conversation is to be of a sensitive nature, in line with best practice in child protection, it may be appropriate for another adult to be present for this communication. The student, if they wish, may ask another student to join the conversation also.)

In the event that a student is wearing clothing that raises a concern as a result of one or more of the 3 issues highlighted above the following actions are recommended:

1. Identify why the clothing does not adhere to the dress code with reference to either point 1, 2 or 3 above.
2. Ask to speak to the individual(s) concerned in line with the above.
3. Listen to their perspective.
4. Agree the next steps: This may involve communication with the parent(s)/ guardian(s).