Jesmond Park Academy and Gosforth Group Schools require their students to wear a black school branded coat to school. No other coat is allowed and students are punished if they do not wear the coat.  Following a distressing incident where a student has been hit by a car outside JPA school a number of parents have contacted the school with their concerns over the required uniform.

Many studies have shown that pedestrian visibility is reduced when wearing dark clothing. The Highway Code advises pedestrians to wear light-coloured, bright, or fluorescent clothing in poor daylight. Children, with their unpredictable movements and short stature, should be as visible as possible to drivers.

The Government guidance for schools who mandate a uniform specifically references coats and states that schools are strongly recommended to "ensure that their uniform is suitable and safe for pupils who walk or cycle to school – for instance, by allowing pupils to wear a coat in which they could be visible when it is dark going home".

Aside from the safety aspect of wearing a dark coat during the winter months, students complain that the coats are not fit for purpose. The fleece is not warm enough and the outer coat is described as 'showerproof' and does not hold up to heavy rain. Additionally, the showerproof coat does not fit over the fleece unless it is significantly sized up, rendering it unwearable on it's own.

While the school has now introduced a second hand uniform swap not all sizes are available at this event meaning parents have to buy an additional two coats just to be worn to school, as well as the issue of storing extra items of clothing for families living in smaller houses.

The school have responded to parent's concerns by issuing reflective snap bands to some of the children. The snap bands cover a tiny area in comparison to a coat would and are easily lost or broken.

There seems to be an overwhelming number of issues with students being mandated to wear school branded coats to school and few, if any, benefits to this policy. 

Allowing children to wear their own coats can substantially increase their visibility to drivers. Parents should be permitted to support their children to choose coats that best ensure their safety and warmth during school commutes. 

Please sign this petition to call for a change in coat policy, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our children over uniformity. Together, we can make the journey to school safer and more comfortable for children in Newcastle.