Edinburgh boy who wears uniform every day to home school sparks city initiative

With lockdown fatigue well kicked in by now, home schooling the kids can be a real test of endurance for parents trying to maintain discipline at the same time as trying to recall even the simplest of maths rules.

Daniel Park told his mum he wanted to wear his school uniform for home schooling

But one Edinburgh schoolboy has stunned his parents by steadfastly refusing to take advantage of the situation.

Instead little Daniel Park has been tuning up for his living room lessons as if he was heading off to the playground – complete with his smart uniform.

Now, after his proud mum tweeted his teachers to let them know he was keeping the faith, Daniel may well have sparked a news craze across the country – “dress up Fridays”.

Because, from tomorrow, primary school students across Edinburgh and beyond will be donning their school uniforms as part of a city wide initiative to keep young students feeling connected to their education.

Over 50 primary schools in Edinburgh will be taking part in “School Uniform Day”, which will involve various activities around the concept of togetherness and uniforms.

The initiative was inspired by six-year-old Wardie Primary School student Daniel, who recently surprised his parents by dressing in his uniform to complete schoolwork from home.

Maria Conway, Acting Principal of Wardie Primary School, was heartened by Daniel’s actions, which she came across in a tweet posted by his mother, Wendy.

After seeing the tweet Maria emailed head teachers across Edinburgh proposing a city-wide School Uniform Day, a play on “dress down” days that take place on special occasions during normal term time.

The response Maria received was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. News of the day has now spread beyond Edinburgh, with some schools in Aberdeen and Glasgow also deciding to take part. To mark the occasion parents are being asked to post photos of their children dressed up on social media using the hashtag #SchoolUniformDay.

Maria told the Evening News: “Everyone seems really excited about the day. Students have been creating posters in anticipation and writing about what their school uniform means to them. I think it really gives them a feel of normality. It’s just trying to do something different to spread a bit of positivity and make them smile.”

Wendy and her husband Stephen said: “We are really surprised by the responses to Daniel dressing up in his uniform. At first we were oblivious to it all until a teacher told us that Daniel’s idea was going to become a city wide activity.

“It’s nice that everyone is in the same position wanting to feel more connected to their school. We tried to explain the scale of what’s happening to Daniel. We’re not sure he’s aware just how big his idea has become but he’s certainly excited by it.”

Daniel may have to wait a while longer before he can sport his uniform alongside classmates.

Schools in Scotland, unlike south of the Border, are not expected to open before next term.