Pupils checked for junk food and make-up
HIGH SCHOOL HEAD IN ‘HEALTH AND SAFETY’ CRACKDOWN
STUDENTS’ bags are being checked at the gates of a school as part of a crackdown on junk food, excessive make-up, sloppy uniform, aerosols and ‘dangerous’ items.
Youngsters at Reddish Vale High School in Stockport are lining up every morning for searches. Students are not allowed to take more than one unhealthy snack into school – and aerosol cans have been banned.
Head Linda Hanson said she is determined to improve safety and get pupils eating more healthily and looking smart. But the move has sparked fierce debate, with some parents saying their children feel the school is ‘like a prison.’
Ms Hanson, who took over in September, said checks have been done in the past, but a fresh drive was launched following the Christmas and New Year break. She said parents were informed of the move in a newsletter – and that the majority have been ‘extremely supportive.’ Students, she added, are reminded about the checks in assemblies and during form time.
Some parents told the M.E.N. that they only found out about the checks when their children told them.
In a statement, Ms Hanson, who has also banned sugary slushie drinks, said: “As with many other schools, bag searches are conducted regularly as a safeguarding measure.
“Standard checks are completed daily to maintain high standards and ensure policies are adhered to.”
Ms Hanson said the checks are used to help limit the number of unhealthy snacks; ensure ‘illegal, banned and dangerous’ items are not taken into school, and enforce a ban on aerosols.
She said checks on scruffy uniform and excessive make-up were aimed at ‘maintaining high standards and expectations, while removing social barriers caused through pressures surrounding personal image and appearance.’
“The majority of our parents have been extremely supportive of our commitment to high standards,” Ms Hanson added. She said pupils and parents have the opportunity to discuss these issues through the school council and through the parents’ forum.
Some parents said pupils have been marked down as late after queuing to have their bags checked – and others complained that they were not properly informed about the move.
“It’s not so much the confiscating snacks that bothers me, but the fact they’ve not done enough to tell us about it,” said one parent, who asked not to be named. “I also found out my child was spending money at school on muffins and cookies.
“I raised it with the school and they said it was up to parents to educate their children on healthy eating.
“We eat home-cooked meals, but when they are at school a lot of what they eat is out of my control.”
Another parent said: “The checks are being done outside – even in the bad weather they’re made to wait. My son said his blazer is checked and they rummage around in his bag.”