Our kids are being forced in ‘military checks’ & put in ISOLATION because of their school uniforms – it’s a disgrace
FURIOUS parents have hit out at a school's new strict uniform policy as they claim children face "military-style checks" over their clothes.
Moorside High School in Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, has seen a backlash over the changes as the new school year kicks off.
The school has provided mums and dad with a new diagram on all the clothes and footwear not allowed this year.
One parent claims that any children who do not adhere to the new uniform rules now face isolation and not being allowed into class.
Tracey Turley, an ex-police worker, has already had run-ins with school after one day of her daughter returning to class.
She said she has had to buy her child £10 shoes from Primark which have left her feet sore.
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Tracey told : "I’ve gone and bought the only thing I could find that matches the requirements.
"That is, no silver, no patent, it’s really narrows it down on what you can get. I’ve had to go to Primark to buy plastic shoes for £10 as that’s the only thing I can find that fits with what they’re asking.
"They’re going to be uncomfortable, my child says she’s already got blisters and has asked for plasters. They’re going to be uncomfortable while she's trying to learn.
“I understand that a uniform is a uniform, I used to work for the police. I agree with the shoe requirements, I can visualise them. But if you try to go out and find them, they’re just not available."
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Tracey adds that the rules say the shoes can't look like trainers, and must not be brands such as Hush Puppies.
Moorside High School has said it had worked with parents to update the uniform.
But, the mum believes the school has taken a hard line on uniform and even compares it to being in the military.
She said: "There are children not allowed to go to their lessons because of the style of skirt.
"They’ve rounded the students up, like a military army inspection and anyone who hasn’t conformed is sitting and waiting in a room for the parents to be called, missing classes.
"There are probably about 300 parents, if not more, in Werrington who are as frustrated as I am. They’re just sitting in an isolation room.
"They said every child has a right to education but my daughter doesn’t have a right because her skirt is the wrong material. How is this preparing them for adulthood?
The row has changed how Tracy feels about the school.
She adds: "Twelve months ago, I would have recommended that school to anyone but right now I could drive up there and take my kids out. If you go onto their website, their mission statement is a safe and healthy environment to learn.
"I’m passionate about uniform and rules, I'm ex-police and my brother has an MBE in the military. I feel like I’ve been cornered into finding a voice. Children are missing out on education, that’s my problem."
A spokesperson for Moorside High told The Sun the uniform changes had been in the pipeline for a while.
She said: "The academy communicated and worked with parents, guardians and pupils from June last year to prepare for this September.
"Changes were made in June, with further changes made this September to avoid additional cost implications for families
"We have worked closely with families to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible."
She added: "All students in school are provided with appropriate work, linked to their curriculum at all times.
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"We had parent consultations last term with parents invited in to discuss any issues with the headteacher and responded to feedback in those meetings.
"We continue to work closely with families to ensure the highest expectations and outcomes for our learners."