It’s back to school day – but are your kids wearing the wrong uniform? From skinny jeans to trainers, here’s what not to wear
KIDS are flocking back to the classrooms in their millions today - but some won't make it to lessons due to wearing the wrong uniform.
At the start of every term children are sent home for various uniform breaches - from bold-coloured hair to wearing the wrong shoes.
Government guidelines on school uniform are pretty vague - and it is up to schools and their governors to decide what's appropriate and what's not.
So how can you stop your little one from being sent packing as they head back today? Here are some definite DON'TS when it comes to back-to-school uniforms.
Back to school hairstyles
While every school has its own policy on hairstyles, bold colours, ";extreme" styles and super-short cuts seem to be a nationwide no.
Students have been sent home for dying their hair pink, blue and even GINGER in the past - while boys are told to grow out their number ones or risk missing further lessons.
Benjamin Piper, 13, was sent packing from Gainsborough Academy, Lincs before school even started after turning up with a "crop-circle" do.
The teen's mum checked the school's website to see if there are any rules on shaved embellishments, but took her son in on Friday to double-check he would be OK for the start of term.
She was "shocked and angry" to be told "we're not having that" before even opening her mouth to speak.
Skirts and trousers
Skirt lengths and trouser-tightness are another common point of controversy when it comes to school uniforms.
In April up to 70 girls were sent home for wearing skirts too short or trousers too tight at Lord Grey secondary school in Bletchley.
Despite complaints from parents the headteacher said girls should not appear "over-sexualised".
The headmistress later came under fire for suggesting tight trousers should be banned to prevent "hefty" girls being bullied.
Harriet Dale, a pupil at Trentham High School in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, was told to go home and change her trousers or face isolation on her first day back last year as they were "too tight".
Her mum Helen Dale, 41, was shocked and has slammed staff for singling out her daughter just months after the school imposed a blanket ban on skirts.
Sensible shoes
Shoes are another grey area when it comes to uniform rules at a number of schools - with trainers seeming to be the biggest black mark.
Many schools say "sensible black shoes" are the only allowed footwear - but this can be widely interpreted by students, causing a great deal of confusion.
"Up to 100" students were sent home on the first day back at Marple Hall School, Stockport last year when they rocked up in the wrong shoes.
Student Emma Biggins was told her "back to school" shoes looked too much like trainers - despite technically being black and sensible - and was sent home.
Her mum said at the time: "I think it's absolutely ridiculous. I do agree children at the school need to be smart and wear black shoes, but there is nothing wrong with the ones I bought."
Socks and accessories
Make-up, jewellery and piercings are usually a no when it comes to school uniforms - but some schools go as far as policing SOCKS.
Up to 50 children were sent home from Bristol's Winterbourne International Academy last year for not wearing the school's approved PE socks - which cost an extortionate £5.25 a pair.
Dozens of students were put into isolation in a unit branded “The Ark”, while others were sent home to change.
Department of Education guidelines
The Department of Education website says this about school uniform guidelines:
"Each school decides its uniform and must not discriminate based on gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or belief.
"The head teacher can discipline your child for not wearing the school uniform.
"Your child can be suspended or expelled if they repeatedly ignore the uniform rules."
They advise parents to talk to the head teacher if their child is wearing the wrong uniform as a result of being unable to afford the right clothes.
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It adds: "Talk to the head teacher, school governors or parent / teacher association if you'd like the school uniform changed.
"Contact Citizens Advice if you're forced to buy uniforms from an expensive supplier."
They add: "Schools can decide if girls can wear trousers, or if religious dress is allowed.
"If you think your child is being discriminated against, talk to the head teacher."