13.1 Proper attire is necessary to maintain an image which reflects the Company’s professionalism and high standards. It is important that dress is appropriate for the Company’s environment, but also important that staff can feel comfortable in all weathers and during all roles and activities with the children.
13.2 Staff must wear black or white flat shoes, black trousers or skirt/dress, plain white or black tops and black/white tabards, which are provided. Tops underneath the tabards can be short or long sleeved, to facilitate comfort during any weather. Staff must ensure they remain smart and professional ensuring no bra straps are showing if short-sleeved tops are worn. Black shorts or cropped trousers are also able to be worn during warmer weather but only if the staff member remains smart, professional and tidy; shorts should come to mid-thigh – preferably below the length of the tabard. Sandals can be worn if they are safe for staff to move around in carrying children up and down stairs etc and could not be a trip hazard – eg flip flops.
13.3 All clothes must be clean, tidy and in good repair and long hair must be tied back. Jewellery must be limited to wedding and engagement rings and other occasion rings; small stud earrings and flat nose-rings and a watch. Make-up must be subtle and fingernails must be short and clean. Long false nails, sharp pointed nails and nail art are not permitted for health and safety reasons. Short nails with gel polish are acceptable. If further guidance is required, this should be discussed with the nursery manager.
13.4 All staff are provided with two tabards which will be replaced as required, for example if they become worn. Staff must replace any lost uniform. Cooks are offered Company polo shirts.
13.5 Name badges shall be worn at all times whilst present in the nursery. The badges shall not leave the premises and shall be left in the basket provided whenever leaving the building. Repeated failure to display a name badge shall be a disciplinary offence. Name badges are the responsibility of each staff member. Replacements due to loss or carelessness shall be chargeable to the employee.
13.6 Company fleeces are available to buy. Fleeces must not be worn inside. All sweatshirts/jumpers must be worn underneath the tabard.
13.7 Staff must provide their own suitable clothing for cold outdoor activities such as warm coat, hat, gloves and welly boots. A selection of waterproof trousers is provided. Staff must be equipped to be comfortable in the garden in all weathers.
13.8 For any member of staff arriving at work inappropriately dressed, we reserve the right to require that person to go home and change and they will not be paid for any time lost.