DAY NURSERY UNIFORM & PRESENTATION POLICY 

Our uniform and presentation standards reflect who we are as a company. They support our promise to provide the best outcomes for children and families and ensure we present ourselves professionally, safely, and consistently. 

By wearing our uniform with pride, we demonstrate our commitment to our values including: 

• Wellbeing and safety  

• Creating belonging and trust 

• Professionalism and respect in everything we do  

Day Nursery Staff Uniform 

The approved Day Nursery uniform consists of the following for each role: 

Clothing Standards

Clothing Standards 

• Shorts must be a respectable length 

• Polo shirt or t-shirt must be worn daily unless otherwise agreed 

• Clothing must allow staff to move freely and safely while supporting children 
• In colder weather, you can wear skins/or a long sleeve top under your polo shirt. 

Protective Clothing 

To support hygiene, safeguarding, and the longevity of uniforms designated aprons are provided in each room for: 

• Nappy changing (yellow) 

• Meal handling (navy blue) 

• Messy Play (Navy tabards are to be worn during messy play) 

Staff must wear these items at all appropriate times to maintain hygiene standards, protect themselves, and take care of their uniform.

Footwear 

Must be smart, secure, safe and practical 

Flip flops are not permitted 

This supports both staff safety and safeguarding responsibilities. Management has the right to refuse footwear if it does not comply with this policy.

Care of Uniform 

Employees are responsible for ensuring their uniform is clean, neat and presentable, and in good condition – maintained using the care instructions provided. 

While the company provides the uniform items as stated above, any replacement due to loss or damage will be at the employee’s expense. 

Employees must return all uniform items provided by Wise Owls at the end of their employment. Uniform must be returned in good condition; failure to do so may result in the employee being liable for replacement costs.  

Aprons are provided and must be worn where appropriate to protect your uniform. 

If uniform items become worn, faded, damaged (e.g. holes, tears), employees must inform their line manager promptly. A replacement uniform will be assessed and arranged where appropriate. 

Personal Appearance 

Our presentation should reflect our values of respect, trust, and positive relationships. 

• Hair: tied back off the face  

• Make-up: subtle and appropriate 

• Nails: Long/false nails are not permitted due to risks to children, nails should be neat and inoffensive 

• Personal hygiene: A high standard of personal hygiene must be maintained at all times. Staff should ensure they are free from body odour and use deodorant as needed. Strong perfumes or fragrances should be avoided to support a comfortable environment for children and colleagues. 

Jewellery & Body Art 

• Piercings need to be safe, secure and appropriate for your working environment  

• Tattoos should be covered if inappropriate for children 

These expectations support a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment 

Your Uniform –When you will get it 

1. Staff will be given a temporary uniform while on probation.  

1. Once you pass your probation, you will be able to order your new uniform. More details will be provided at the time. 

1. Once your new uniform has been given to you, you will need to wash and iron your temporary uniform and return it to your line manager.  

Uniform expenses 

You will be told by Head Office if you can order your own uniform and claim the expenses. Do not order your own uniform items without approval.  

Where staff claim uniform expenses and leave Wise Owls within 6-months, the cost of your uniform will be deducted from your salary. 

Returning your uniform 

You must return your uniform in good condition at the end of your contract with Wise Owls Childcare. Please wash, iron and return your full uniform to your line manager. You will be given a list of items to return. You will be liable for costs for any lost, damaged or unreturned items.

Uniform and Presentation Policy Confirmation