School Uniform & Equipment

School Uniform & Equipment

At Pontllanfraith Primary School, our school uniform is designed to be comfortable, practical and inclusive, while supporting children’s independence, safety and wellbeing, in line with the Curriculum for Wales.

Embroidered school jumpers and polo shirts are not compulsory, but are available from:

• Regis (Newbridge)

• Rugger Bugz (Ystrad Mynach)

• AJM Schoolwear (Cwmfelinfach)

Our School Uniform

Children are encouraged to wear:

• Red sweatshirt (no hoodies, please)

• Red polo shirt

• Black trousers, joggers, leggings or shorts

• Black shoes or black trainers

Shorts should be of an appropriate length and fit, allowing children to move comfortably and confidently throughout the day. Shorts that are extremely short, very tight or otherwise unsuitable for active school life are not appropriate.

To support independence and safety, we kindly ask that lace‑up trainers are only worn once a child is able to tie their laces independently. Velcro trainers are an excellent option while children develop this skill.

If children attend school in shoes, labelled trainers should be kept in school throughout the week to ensure they can take part fully in PE and outdoor learning.

We ask that long hair is tied back for comfort, safety and hygiene.

Skirts, Tights and Summer Dresses

Skirts, tights and summer dresses are not listed as part of our school uniform. However, if parents choose to send their child to school wearing them, no objections will be raised.

To keep a consistent and practical approach:

• Skirts and tights should be black

• Summer dresses should be red

Please note that children participate in daily outdoor activity and active learning, which is why skirts and formal clothing are not included in the core uniform.

Coats

Children should wear a coat when the weather is cooler or when rain is possible. Children may still play outside in light rain or move around the school grounds as part of learning activities, so a suitable coat is important.

Jewellery

For safety reasons, jewellery is generally not permitted in school. However, the following are allowed:

• Small stud earrings

• Watches (smart watches are not permitted unless required for medical monitoring, e.g. diabetes, and agreed in advance with school)

• Religious jewellery or articles, where these form part of a child’s religious observance (for example, a Sikh kara/bangle)

Parents are asked to ensure that any permitted jewellery is safe, secure and appropriate for school activities.

If a child comes to school wearing jewellery that is not permitted, they will be asked to remove it. The school and local authority cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or injury caused by jewellery.

Ear Piercing Guidance

We understand that families may wish for their child’s ears to be pierced. To prevent missed learning opportunities or disappointment, the recommended time for ear piercing is at the end of the summer term or during the six‑week summer holiday.

This allows ears to heal fully before children return to school and ensures they can take part safely in PE, outdoor learning and events such as Sports Day without restriction.

Please note that we do not allow taped earrings for PE or games lessons.

PE & Outdoor Learning

In line with the Curriculum for Wales (introduced September 2022), our curriculum places a strong emphasis on movement, outdoor learning and experiential activities, particularly for younger learners. Children enjoy access to resources such as trikes, mud kitchens and adventure logs, and we actively promote daily physical activity, including The Daily Mile.

To support this approach, we operate a flexible timetable for PE, meaning PE and active sessions may take place on any day of the week.

For this reason:

• We do not have a separate PE kit

• Our school uniform is designed to support active learning throughout the day

Parents choosing to dress children in skirts or smart shoes should ensure that labelled trainers are kept in school for daily use.

Children changing footwear must be able to do so independently, as staff are not responsible for managing this outside of PE lessons. As above, trainers with laces should only be worn once a child can manage these themselves.

For safety reasons, earrings and watches must be removed for PE and games lessons. Jewellery may not be taped.

Swimming

Children attending swimming lessons should wear:

• Suitable swimwear (no bikinis or swim shorts)

• Swimming hats, verruca socks or other required items if needed

Outdoor Learning Clothing

At times, children may need:

• Wellies for outdoor learning

• Old clothes if activities may be muddy

• Extra layers, hats or gloves in colder weather

We will provide notice where possible.

Bags, Lunch Boxes, Water Bottles & Other Items

Due to limited storage space, children should only bring bags to school in exceptional circumstances (e.g. spare clothes or after‑school activities). Please contact the school office to request permission.

• Lunch boxes are stored outside classrooms

• Children may bring a sports‑top water bottle for use during the day

  • Bottles should contain water only

  • Please avoid sending expensive bottles

Children should not bring pencil cases, toys or personal items to school. Any items to support children with ALN must be agreed with the class teacher before being sent into school. This includes mobile phones, unless special arrangements have been agreed in advance with the school office.

Slim book bags are welcomed for transporting reading books.

School Uniform Policy