One size fits all

What to consider when it comes to uniforms

By Timmi Aplin-Barrett

Implementing a uniform policy that works for everyone can be tricky. According to the Ministry of Educations Hautū of Operations and Integration, Sean Teddy, New Zealand schools are self-governing through their school boards when it comes to uniforms.

“Individual school boards make decisions on uniform requirements, including whether to have a uniform, the type and the price.

“This means there is a variety of approaches to school uniforms and dress codes, and schools are expected to consult with their communities when making these decisions,” he says.

Non-binding guidelines around school uniforms were published by the Human Rights Commission in May of 2022 and Sean says this may serve as a starting point for school boards when reviewing their school uniform policy.

These guidelines cover a range of uniform based issues from cultural and religious rights to gender expression and more.

It states that allowing for adaption to uniform policies, where possible, is a way to ensure the individual and collected mana is valued and student wellbeing is supported. The cost of uniforms should also be considered.

According to the guidelines, the issue of the cost of uniforms was a consistent issue raised by students.

While this particular issue was out of scope for the guidelines at the time, it recommends schools prioritise access to affordable, good quality uniforms for all students.

“This should be done in a way that upholds the dignity of all involved,” it says.

The guidelines also state the rights of students need to be considered at all times. It covers

Māori students being able to wear items that are taonga to them and should be guaranteed equality.

“Where Pākehā symbols of status in uniform are expected (such as a tie), Māori students should be able to wear Māori symbols of status instead (such as taonga).”

Uniform inclusivity doesn’t just mean ensuring there can be adaptions, it includes providing uniform options that can be worn by all students regardless of impairments, health condition, ethnicity, sex or gender identity.

The guidelines say this could look like providing one pool of non-gendered uniform options and allowing students to pick and choose which items they feel most comfortable wearing.

At the end of the day, these nonbinding guidelines emphasise the importance of being flexible and willing to work with many different ideas and adaptions.

Students and whanau don’t want uniform impeding ākonga and their ability to learn.

For more information, visit: www.tikatangata.org.nz.