School ‘isolates’ girl over hairdo
A SCHOOLGIRL was put into isolation by school bosses after she had a new haircut to improve her confidence after claims of bullying, her family say.
Aishah Carter Kinnon, 12, is a keen singer outside school but suffered from a lack of belief, and was advised that getting a new look could help to boost her self- esteem.
Her hair, which was initially knee length, was shortened and also dyed blue. But when she returned to class at the East Manchester Academy she was told that the hairstyle was against school policy.
Aishah’s grandmother, Mary Kinnon, says the Year eight pupil was put into the isolation unit and removed from her normal classes. She says the problem has continued and that the school has told Aishah she must change her haircut.
Mary said Aishah, from Newton Heath, has felt more confident and positive since undergoing her new look. She said: “The teachers at the singing class told her she had an amazing voice and talent but that she wasn’t ready to show it off because she didn’t believe in herself. The day after when she went into school, she rang me up and was devastated.”
Mary said Aishah has endured taunting and bullying during primary school and into secondary school, which has knocked her confidence.
She says the new haircut made a big difference.
Mary added: “It has massively improved her confidence. She has been walking through school with her head held high.
“It’s quite bright, I will admit that.
“She never gets in to trouble, she is never late, it’s not fair. There are other children who have coloured hair who don’t get in trouble.”
Patsy Kane, executive head teacher of East Manchester Academy, said: “It’s very clear in our behaviour policy that extreme hairstyles are not acceptable in school, as they aren’t in many workplaces. Everything we do in school is important to raise standards and improve outcomes and life chances for our young people and help them develop employability skills.”