NURSERY AND EARLY YEARS UNIFORMS
Practical Uniforms for Busy Early Years Teams
Nursery uniforms have to survive paint, sand, mealtimes and a lot of time on the floor, then come out of a hot wash still looking like a professional uniform. Early years staff spend the day kneeling, lifting and moving, so what they wear needs to be practical first, and smart second.
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What Nursery Staff Usually Wear
Most early years settings build a uniform from three or four pieces: a polo shirt as the main top, a tabard or apron over the top for messy activities, and a layer for outdoor play.
The right mix depends on the age range you work with and how much of the day is spent outside. We're going to explore what most nurseries use and why below.
Polo Shirts and T-Shirts for Nursery Staff
Polo shirts are a popular choice. They are often a more relaxed option and tend to suit pre-school rooms, holiday clubs and forest school sessions. They are also great for embroidery and layer well under a fleece, sweatshirt or softshell jacket when the day moves outdoors.
Browse our polo shirts and T-shirts collection for team styles in a variety of fits.
Tunics and Tops for Early Years Education
While polos and other casual uniform styles are popular in early years settings, tunics can also be an option for nurseries looking for a more traditional or smart uniform style. Designed with everyday movement in mind, they offer a practical, easy-care choice for staff who are constantly on the go.
Available in a range of colours and styles, tunics and tops can also help create a consistent, professional look across the team. For settings where tunics are the preferred style, our tunics and tops collection offers a wide choice of options.
Tabards and Aprons for Nursery Playtime
A tabard or apron over the main garment takes the worst of painting, water, messy trays and mealtimes. It's the cheapest way to extend the life of uniforms underneath, and it can come off in seconds when one activity ends and staff need to move on to another.
Browse our workwear accessories for tabards and aprons that sit over tunics and polos.
Embroidery and Nursery Branding
Branded uniforms make staff instantly identifiable to parents, which matters at the door and on outings. We embroider every product in-house using high-quality Madeira threads, with more than 150 thread colours available to match your company branding.
Names and room titles can be added by monogramming too, so a team can be identified by role as well as by setting. Explore our workwear embroidery service, or discover our made-to-order uniforms if you want something built around your brand.
Sustainable Nursery Uniforms
Sustainability is increasingly written into procurement, including for larger nursery groups. Selected products in our range are made using recycled polycotton fabrics, and we support the Better Cotton Initiative as well as offering a recycling service.
Explore our eco-friendly uniforms and sustainable workwear range for recycled and responsibly sourced options.
Why Buy Nursery Uniforms from Grahame Gardner?
- 120 Years of Expertise – Uniform knowledge rooted in our Leicester heritage.
- In-House Embroidery – Your company's logo can be added onto any garment, with over 150 thread colours to choose from.
- UK-Wide Delivery – Order individually or in bulk, with reliable delivery to any UK location.
- Uniforms for Your Whole Team – From nursery practitioners and managers to kitchen and support staff, find practical uniform options to create a smart, consistent look across your setting.
Looking for Nursery Uniforms?
Whether you're choosing a new uniform for your nursery or looking to update an existing range, our team is here to help you explore suitable styles and branding options.
Make an enquiry with Grahame Gardner to discuss your nursery uniform requirements.