New South Wales Education Minister Rob Stokes has reduced the previous 24-page uniform policy document down to a simplified two-page document. The new policy requires all school items to be affordable, comfortable, suitable for all body types and made from easy care fabric.
The new policy comes after various complaints from parents were made to schools regarding the restrictions wearing dresses and skirts places upon female students.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the new policy is about making uniforms more affordable for parents and giving girls the choice of wearing skirts, scorts or shorts.
While the policy is supposed to give all girls the option to wear pants if they so wish, it is up to the individual discretion of each school as to whether it will be allowing the change, leaving wriggle room for schools with old-fashioned policies to deny their female students the option.
The new policy also mandates that schools must give parents at least three years' notice before making significant changes (such as adding a blazer) to ensure families are protected against cost rises. The change in policy also dictates that schools must advise parents on how they can access financial support if they are unable to purchase uniform items.
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