Vicky Pollard, the 'Little Britain' tracksuit-wearing, heavily made-up chav teenager, was held up as a warning by the chair of the Professional Association of Teachers earlier this year. Deborah Lawson said nursery staff are in danger of creating 'the next generation of Vicky Pollards'.
She cautioned that growing numbers of childcarers think it acceptable to turn up to work with long nails, high heels or chunky shoes.
But a survey of nursery groups' dress codes carried out for Nursery Chains suggests that childcarers can hold their heads high when it comes to personal presentation. There is no 'yeh-but, no-but' when it comes to professional appearance, with all respondents having a uniform policy in place.
Kids Academy Nursery Group proprietor Sue Jones is a strong believer in the importance of keeping up appearances. 'Staff are my biggest asset and a direct representation of my company. As a result they are always required to be immaculately dressed, clean and well presented,' she says.
Sandra Hutchinson, director of Primley Park Children's Nurseries shares this view saying, 'Personal appearance is addressed in the staff handbook which is part of a member of staff's contract. We expect a pride in appearance and emphasise that they are representing the company.'
Dressing up
Most nursery chains have a standard of appearance agreement or uniform and appearance policy, which nursery staff must comply with while working.
Numerous reasons were cited for this, but professionalism, cleanliness and promoting a positive corporate image were mentioned most frequently.
Emma Wood, managing director of Abacus Family Solutions, believes wearing a uniform creates 'a sense of professional identity' among childcare staff.
'Too often I hear staff say, "I am only a nursery nurse". I decided that their uniform should be tailored and very smart to raise the awareness of the importance of their role and to give them a sense of pride in their presentation,' she explains. 'Many parents comment on how the staff project themselves with confidence and a clear sense of belonging in a professional organisation.'
Colleen Sims, director of Little Ones Childcare, says, 'The way we present ourselves says a lot about us - it is a reflection of our values. Wearing a uniform creates a corporate identity so parents, visitors and children can recognise members of staff. Also, working in a nursery is messy and it's not fair for staff to ruin their own clothes.'
HRH Nurseries director, Glen Perrott, believes staff uniforms make good business sense. 'Our logos are printed on each item so that it is also a roving advert for the business,' she says.
Staff at Early Years Childcare believe that their uniform helps the children, too, according to Derek Hayes, sales and marketing manager.
'Staff report that children enjoy naming the colours and tracing embroidered letters. We also believe it helps the children settle as they accept new carers readily as they recognise the uniform.' He adds, 'It helps the staff too - they don't have to make a decision about what to wear to work in the morning!'
Well presented
So what are staff in nursery chains wearing? Our research showed polo shirts and dark trousers to be firm favourites, along with sensible shoes and minimal jewellery.
Practicality is key, according to Kim Welsh, director of Springboard. 'Our staff are expected to look professional, clean and tidy. It is important that staff feel comfortable in their uniforms and that they are suitable for the staff to carry out their duties,' she says.
Some nursery groups are moving away from polo shirt and trouser combinations in favour of an even smarter approach. Little Ones has recently introduced blouses and shirts to replace the polo shirts and create a more professional image. Colleen Sims says, 'We didn't want staff to look stuffy, but we did want to help staff to be recognised as professional people.
'The idea to change came after a flight I took where the cabin crew wore t-shirts rather than the usual corporate attire, and it struck me how much less professional they seemed. We feel the new uniforms project a great image, and we have had a very positive response from parents.'
Sue Jones of Kids Academy agrees, 'I don't like the jogging bottoms and sweatshirts look, it's like an old PE kit. Gone are the days when childcare took place in village halls. It's a professional job now and staff should dress in a professional way.'
Their staff uniform is smart tabards, trousers and shoes and 'power suits'
for parents evening. Sue says, 'I think a smart appearance makes parents more readily accept what staff have to say.'
Most of the nursery chains that responded to the survey supply uniforms free of charge to staff with additional items available to purchase.
Image conscious
Jewellery, false nails and visible underwear are common bugbears among nursery managers who are concerned over both health and safety and standards of appearance.
Sandra Hutchinson says, 'Health and safety is obviously a major issue, for example with footwear and any jewellery that a child could grab hold of.
Nails can be a problem if you get a member of staff who likes to have nail extensions! Usually staff choose to wear light make-up but over the years I have had to ask one or two to avoid heavy make-up.'
Glen Perrott says, 'Any jewellery must be discreet and only one pair of earrings is allowed. Body piercing and tattoos must not be visible, or thongs.'
Smoking while wearing uniform is also an issue. Colleen Sims explains, 'Staff are not allowed to smoke in uniforms. It looks unprofessional and does not portray the right image. It is not appropriate. Also we feel the smell is unpleasant for the children.' Derek Hayes agrees, 'Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the premises and we encourage staff not to smoke in uniform, to think about the perception of the brand and their role.'
Despite being sticklers for appearance, nursery chains are flexible during the hot summer months. 'During the warmer months we suspend the dress code to permit staff to wear either their usual black or navy trousers and polo shirts or black long shorts, Capri pants, pedal pushers and white tops of their choice, as long as they are not too revealing,' says Glen Perrott. 'I must admit that, when it is really hot, the staff look lovely and cool in their white sleeveless tops.'
Julia Hart, TLC quality manager, says, 'In the heat of summer this year staff were allowed to wear red vest tops and we are looking at a logoed alternative for a summer uniform.'
Some managers also give their staff something other than payday to look forward to at the end of the month, with regular non-uniform days. Sue Jones says, 'I do let them have a "dress down at work day" which is the last Friday of every month and extremely popular!'
Get dressed
So, far from resembling a workforce of Vicky Pollards, our survey shows nursery chain staff to be a well-turned out bunch. But how do they feel about having to wear a uniform? Our research suggests most believe uniforms are a good thing.
'I've just completed a survey myself amongst staff, parents and children on their views of the uniform,' says Mairi Maciver Clark of Mulberry Bush Montessori. 'All are very positive and they like the fact they are all easily identifiable as staff. The newly introduced name badges help with identification and staff like them and wear them proudly.'
Glen Perrott comments, 'When one of our nurseries did not have a uniform the staff requested one.' And Emma Wood of Abacus Family Solutions agrees, adding, 'When I speak to the staff they say they feel more valued as a result of the company having invested in their workplace clothing.'