WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY

Opinion was divided on social media about the rights and wrongs of Kepier’s hard-line stance on school uniform. Writing on the Echo’s Facebook

page, Joyce Galley said: “It really annoys me the way some schools act over uniform. As long as the children look smart is all that should matter. Families should be able to buy the uniform from which ever shop they want

and more importantly, they can afford.”

Louise Cullen agreed: “I think the uniform looks smart, however, I don’t agree with having to stick to one supplier for the trousers,” she said. Parents should be able to purchase from other suppliers depending on their budget and get suitable fitting for their child.” Steven Shaw was unhappy with how staff had enforced the rules “The main issue here isn’t the uniform policy or the cost. It’s how the school dealt with the problem. “It’s unacceptable and could have been dealt with in a much better manner.” Glyn Dixon’s thoughts were with the students: “Imagine you’re a nervous first day student at this school, you don’t know your teacher or anything and the first thing they do is inspect

your uniform and send you home. It’s bullying. The head should apologise.” And Lady Sarah Jane Wilkinson

said: “Not all parents can afford the price of the ‘correct’ dress code from the correct shop trousers. Wouldn’t it be better for a child to be allowed to wear grey trousers from another shop than risk losing attendance marks.” Kay White said the emphasis on

uniform was too hard: “Wow! This has got me so annoyed! Looking smart DOES NOT equal better learning! I’ll be rethinking school choices for my current year 6 child! “And also children were made to line up and then were judged. As a parent that breaks my heart. Talk about feeling second best. Majority of bairns there will have looked smart regardless of

whether the shoes were leather. Whether the trousers were from Asda, Primark or Total Sport. And as for the comment about 10% of parents disregarding the rules ... well walk a mile in their shoes before you pass judgement on their decisions of how they bring up their own children.” Sam Mccormick was angry with the school: “I think it’s a disgrace. They are there to learn not to be victimised over a pair of trousers. How on earth is a pair of trouser going to affect their learning”

And Keith Hood added: “Pupils lined up while headteacher compares trousers to a colour swatch! Sounds like life in North Korea.” Jamie Lea Church had a suggestion to resolve the situation: “Maybe the school should provide the whole uniform as a complete package, purchased only from the school and parents pay the school (payment plans etc) just like the police force or companies which require a uniform,” she said. But many commentators defended the school’s actions.

Alison Mason said : “Simple really - buy the correct trousers as instructed by the school. It’s a no brainer. Parents to blame.”

Michelle Rose-McCaffery

added: “I don’t see the issue. We all had fair warning of changes, the pupils had input too of the change of uniform, we told were to purchase uniform. As for a uniform check I agree as some may feel they can still wear what they want. Having everyone the same will make for less children getting criticised by their peers for not having the “in” clothes.”