Nursery Uniforms: Staff Polos and Children's Kit That Work
By The Velocity Wear Team
Nursery uniform searches cover two things: uniforms for staff, and kit for the children. Both need to handle a daily assault of poster paint, spaghetti and muddy knees. Both are worth getting right, because parents notice a nursery team that looks organised.
Staff uniforms
Most nurseries use embroidered polos with a matching sweatshirt or fleece. Staff are on their feet, kneeling, lifting and outside in all weathers, so comfort and washability come first.
- Poly-cotton polos that survive frequent hot washes.
- A sweatshirt or fleece for outdoor play.
- Dark or mid colours that hide paint and food.
- Different colours for roles, like managers or room leaders, if it helps parents.
- Short sleeves are practical for handwashing.
Avoid names on staff uniforms
Many settings avoid staff names embroidered on uniforms, both for staff turnover and because they prefer names on badges that can be removed outside the setting. It's a safeguarding decision for your setting to make.
Children's kit
Some nurseries and pre-schools offer optional branded sweatshirts, polos or t-shirts for children. Parents like them for trips, photos and a sense of belonging. Keep them optional and affordable.
Safety for little ones
- Avoid drawcords on children's garments, particularly around the hood and neck.
- Choose soft fabrics and flat seams for sensitive skin.
- Keep embroidery smooth on the inside.
- Don't print children's names on the outside of clothing worn on outings.
Sizing children
Order in age sizes with room to grow. Children in nursery grow fast, and parents prefer to size up. Our minimum is 20 per design with sizes mixed, including children's sizes.
Crests and logos
A friendly, simple logo embroiders best on small garments. Scale it down for children's sizes. Detailed logos may need simplifying.
Budgeting
Staff uniforms are usually a business cost. For children's kit sold to parents, keep prices modest. Check totals in pounds on the calculator.
Parents and optional kit
If you offer children's branded kit, make it clearly optional. Some families will be stretched by uniform costs. A small range, like a sweatshirt and a t-shirt, is plenty. Allow parents to order through a simple form or your existing payment app, and set a clear delivery date.
Photos and outings
Branded kit makes group photos and outings easier. On trips, bright colours help staff keep track of children in busy places. Use the setting's name on the back rather than individual children's names.
Keep spare staff kit
Nurseries often take on new staff at short notice. Keep a few spare polos and sweatshirts in common sizes so new team members look part of the team from day one.
Forest school and outdoor sessions
Many settings run outdoor or forest school sessions. Staff need waterproofs and warm layers from specialist suppliers, with branded fleeces or hoodies underneath. Children need practical outdoor clothing, so optional branded kit should be for indoor days and trips.
Staff photos for parents
Settings often display staff photos by the entrance. Matching uniforms in those photos help parents recognise the team.
Spare clothes for children
Nurseries keep spare clothing for accidents and messy play. Branded spare tees in common sizes can double as optional uniform, which is practical and looks tidy in setting photos.
Ordering
Production takes 10 to 15 working days after artwork approval, plus delivery. Order children's kit in summer for September starters. See polo shirts, custom hoodies and corporate uniforms.
