From last month, families have been given the option to buy green branded sweaters and polo shirts supplied by Simply Schoolwear.
Rosamund Marshall, kidsunlimited chief executive, said, 'Many parents asked last year if we would introduce an optional uniform to the nursery. Lots of settings have a uniform and we thought it would be a good way to prepare the children ahead of their journey to primary education in more formal environments and give the children a sense of belonging that a uniform may bring.'
She said parents suggested having a hard-wearing uniform that could be easily cleaned and withstand a typical day at nursery.
Nursery group the Childcare Corporation is also introducing a uniform for children at its new setting in Farnham, Surrey, the first nursery to be opened under its Westchester House Nursery School brand (News, 9 September 2010).
Alan Bentley, chairman of the Childcare Corporation, said, 'We will be introducing mandatory uniforms for the threeto five-year-olds in the summer.
'Four months ago we carried out a parent survey which found that 80 per cent wanted uniforms for their children. In six weeks' time we hope to present families with three uniform options. The most popular will be introduced.'
He said that if the uniform proved successful, a similar one would be launched at the group's Kiddi Caru nurseries.