To ask the Minister of Education, given that retail is not fully open, and taking account of the economic crisis facing society, whether he will provide clear guidance to all governors and principals to relax school uniform and school footwear policies and rules.

The wearing of a school uniform is not governed by legislation but falls to schools themselves to determine. The day-to-day management of schools, including school uniform policy, is a matter for school Principals, subject to any directions that might be given by the Board of Governors.

The Department has, however, produced guidance for schools on developing school uniform policy. This guidance states that schools should make discreet enquiries in cases where a pupil is not adhering to the school uniform policy as there may be a number of valid reasons as to why and in such circumstances it may not be appropriate for schools to send a child home. The advice also states that schools should be sensitive to a situation where financial circumstances are preventing pupils from wearing the correct uniform.

The guidance can be accessed on the Department’s website: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/circular-201104-guidance-schools-school-uniform-policy-revised-5-june-2018

The Department has also addressed the matter of school uniforms in the Education Restart guidance on the safe reopening of educational settings and schools have been encouraged to consider the views of parents, pupils and the school community and to show flexibility around the issue of school uniforms in these extraordinary times to avoid creating additional pressure or expense on parents.