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Heads rally round shoe-ban college
FYLDE coast headteachers have backed Highfield Humanities College's high profile bid to tighten up on uniform policy.
The South Shore School sent home 95 students for wearing “unsuitable footwear”.
Headteacher Ian Evans made the decision to clamp down on students wearing ballet pumps and trainer shoes for school in July and sent a letter to parents explaining his hard line.
He defended his actions saying 23 pupils had sustained injuries to their feet and ankles in the last year and blamed this on unsuitable shoes.
Pupils were given until October 5 to get shoes which met guidelines – or be sent home to change.
Mr Evans’ decision was met with anger by parents but Highfield isn’t the only school to tighten up its policy. Last year Lytham St Annes Technology College introduced a card system where students receiving five signatures for not following uniform policy were given a detention.
Headteacher Philip Woods said: “I sympathise with the problems Highfield have been having.
“I think uniform is very important in terms of shared values and I think despite what students say, most like wearing a uniform.’’
Elizabeth Warner, head of St George’s High school in Marton and chairman of the Blackpool Association of Secondary Head Teachers added: “Heads feel appearance is important in schools but safety is also paramount.’’
Beacon High school also supported Highfield. John Topping, deputy head said: “We fully support Highfield’s stance. Research shows excellent schools have a firm approach to uniform and all aspects of appropriate behaviour.’’
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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