I’m furious after my daughter was sent home in the first ten minutes of school over a skirt she had worn all last term

A MUM has slammed her daughter's school after they sent her home saying her skirt was too short - despite her wearing it all last term.

Nicola Parkinson, 34, claims Mia was shipped out of Handsworth Grange Community Sports College just ten minutes into the new term.

The mum-of-four says the school in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, sent home hordes of kids on the first day due to their harsh uniform policy.

She says teachers sent Mia, 12, packing shortly after arriving for her first day back, telling her the skirt she was sporting was too short.

But Nicola insists it is the same skirt she wore for the entirety of the last term, which didn't raise any issues.

She has now been forced to fork out £60 on four longer new skirts to get Mia back into the classroom.

The mum has hit out at the high school for their strict uniform policy amid the cost of living crisis that is gripping the country.

She told the : "We haven't got the money to keep buying new uniform a day into the new term."

Mia's 13-year-old cousin Ethan Teasdale was also sent home on the first day from the same school after staff scolded him for his trainers that have a gold trim.

His mum Lauren Parkinson was reportedly informed he was not permitted back on the premises until he had different footwear.

She has had to use a buy now, pay later credit option to afford a second pair of plain black trainers without the minute detailing.

But Lauren also maintained the school had not batted an eyelid when he wore the shoes for the last year.

The furious mum said: "I asked the school why they aren't allowed, as he had the same style last year, and they said they are cracking down.

"I had to spend £110 for some Nike Air Force Ones as they were totally black. I've had to get it on Klarna so I can pay it off each month.

"They go to school to get educated. What difference does a tiny bit of gold trim make? He's lost a week of school because of this."

Bev Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of Minerva Learning Trust which runs Handsworth Grange Community Sports College, said only five students were suspended on the first day of term.

She continued: "No students were sent home for wearing incorrect uniform.

"Any student that arrives to school without the correct uniform is offered a replacement item from the school stock.

"We are not expecting our parents to buy new uniform items.

"Our uniform policy has remained the same for the last five years and is clearly set out on our school website.

"Parents and students have been reminded of our expectations before and during the summer holidays and have been provided ample time to buy school uniform that is in line with our uniform policy."

Ms Matthews added: "We understand the hardship that some families are currently experiencing.

"We have given out free uniform items to a number of students over the last few days.

"We also have a hardship fund which is accessible to any family or child that needs support during this difficult time.

"All parents/carers have been made aware of the support available to them and have access to the form on our school website where they can request support with any uniform items they are having difficulties with.

"So far, five parents have requested support through this avenue and we are in the process of working with them to ensure their child has the right uniform."