As you go out to schools & centres in Australia you will find there is some variation in the dress code of each educational setting. If haven’t left your home country and are wondering what type of work attire to pack, or are just about to start work in the Australian Classroom, check out our list of do’s and don’ts of what to wear in the classroom for overseas educators.

On your first day at the school or centre we suggest you can treat it like a job interview and dress business casual. Once you are there, you will get a feel for what other staff are wearing for next time. If you are going to school with a strict dress code, your consultant will always let you know.

Early Childhood Settings

What to wear:

  • Smart, functional clothing that doesn’t restrict mobility when working with children aged 0-5.
  • Closed toe shoes
  • Have a sunsmart hat for any outdoor play!

Private (Independent/Religious) Schools:

What to wear:

  • Professional attire as opposed to government schools, eg.
    • Business attire (we will always let you know if you need to wear a tie or anything specific)
  • Smart yet comfortable & functional clothing
  • Closed toe shoes may be preferred or required.
  • Have a sunsmart hat at the ready for yard duty

Government/Public Schools:

What to wear:

  • Smart casual
  • Comfortable & functional clothing
  • Closed toe shoes may be preferred or required.
  • Have a sunsmart hat at the ready for yard duty

Special Educational Settings

SEN schools will each have their own requirements but overall you should find the following a good guide.

What to wear:

  • Clothing that is practical, comfortable & does not restrict mobility
  • Closed toe shoes
  • Limited accessories – dangling jewellery can be a distraction & a safety issue
  • Have a sunsmart hat for outside play

 

FAQs

What is a ‘sunsmart’ hat?

This is a hat which offers good protection from the sun, it must provide cover for the face and the back of the neck. Ideally, it will also cover the ears as well. The most suitable types of hats are either; wide-brimmed (many styles available), bucket (provided the hat sits low over the head – this can limit visibility), or a legionnaire hat (basically a cap with an additional flap to cover the neck).

For more information on sunsmart practices see: http://www.sunsmart.com.au/protect-your-skin/slap-on-a-hat

 

If you have any other questions please let us know in the comments!