Dear Highgate Wood School (HWS),

A number of PSA members have expressed serious concerns about whether the current school uniform and its inflexible implementation is still fit for purpose, especially in this hot weather. 

The UK Health Security Agency has urged parents and carers to use light coloured clothing for children as a heat-health alert has been issued. 

We believe that the heavy fabric of the HWS uniform coupled with the obligation to wear a tie and formal shirt puts our children at higher risk of feeling unwell in hot weather. This is particularly alarming for those of us who have children with health conditions.We find the more “relaxed” policy for the hot weather recently adopted by the school totally inadequate to address the issue.

Allowing the pupils to wear a PE kit would not be a good solution either as the shirts are mostly made of acrylic fabric.

We propose that the kids should be allowed to wear a short sleeved untucked white shirt with no tie and shorts/skirts as a matter of urgency in the hot weather predicted for next week(s). In the longer term, an alternative summer uniform could be adopted.

We know that a previous petition which collected hundreds of parents and carers signatures was not able to persuade the school to review its uniform policy. We will not have the time on this occasion to collect as many signatures.

However, we would like to bring to your attention that we are raising an issue with the policy not being fit for the purpose of protecting our children's health. To the contrary, we believe the policy poses a higher risk for health and well being of our children, especially those with health conditions. 

We would be grateful if this concern could be recorded and addressed.

We look forward to hearing from you.

PSA Parents & Carers