Petition Make school uniform fit for children to play in: Review the statutory guidance for school governing bodies to mandate active uniform for all pupils up to age 16.

The charity Women in Sport cites 'managing female puberty' as a reason for girls dropping out of sports in secondary school. However schools insist on creating barriers to participation by enforcing that children change in front of their peers, at this vulnerable, developmental stage in order to access exercise. This can create trauma and negative associations with sports.

This not only negatively affects girls but any child who may struggle with transitions or fine motor skills, such as those with neurodevelopmental differences.

Restrictive uniform worn outside of PE and games lessons means that pupils are less likely to engage in physical activity at break and lunch time removing opportunities for healthy movement and play. Active uniforms should include comfortable footwear. Active uniforms are made from darker colours and breathable comfortable fabrics. They are not restrictive around the neck and have a loose cut to enable free movement. They are robust, easy to clean and cheap to replace. An always active uniform reduces the barriers to children running, jumping, rolling, climbing, exploring and moving in as many ways as possible as much as possible.

References:
https://research.senedd.wales/research-articles/the-rise-in-obesity-some-food-for-thought/
https://womeninsport.org/news/more-than-1-million-teenage-girls-fall-out-of-love-with-sport/