Students with fake nails not up to scratch
A SCHOOL has banned fake nails because they are ruining girls’ handwriting.
Burnside College, in Wallsend, North Tyneside, wrote to parents to warn about acrylic nail extensions.
“We are revising our uniform policy due to the increased number of students wearing acrylic nail extensions,” it told parents earlier this year. “Some are unable to fully access the curriculum and in extreme cases are unable to use a pen, having a detrimental effect on their learning.”
The school has now banned acrylic nails and nail extensions, explaining that nails should be a “sensible length”.
Students were warned they faced “appropriate sanctions” if they failed to comply with the new rules. But the move has prompted a backlash from some parents, who called it “bonkers”. Gracie Fish, 15, a pupil at the school, was ordered to remove her green gel nails on health and safety grounds before a week-long placement at a college in Newcastle. When she refused, she was ordered to spend the week in isolation.
Samantha Fish, 46, her mother, said: “I just don’t see what part of this is health and safety, especially as she’s doing health and beauty.
“I think she’s been discriminated against. It is pathetic and she was devastated. I lost my temper and said she’s not going back in September.” Acrylic nails have been popularised by reality TV show star Khloe Kardashian as well as Love Island contestants.