Row as pupils told they can wear joggers and trainers
PARENTS ANGRY AFTER BUYING NEW UNIFORMS FOR THEIR CHILDREN
A HEADTEACHER has defended a decision to replace the traditional school uniform from next month.
Instead of the usual skirts, trousers and school shoes, pupils at Baguley Hall Primary School in Wythenshawe are instead being asked to wear leggings or jogging bottoms with trainers.
The reason for the change is to maximise the outdoor time children have as the pandemic continues, with daily outdoor PE timetabled. PE kits can’t be stored in school, so staff say it makes more sense for children to be dressed ready for sports.
However, the school’s announcement came after some parents had already bought new uniform – sparking anger from those who said they’d wasted their money.
Now headteacher Kate Bulman is allowing pupils to wear either.
Responding to the uniform announcement on the school’s Facebook page, one parent said: “Well isn’t this a bit late after buying uniform and school shoes not happy at all with any of communication throughout! My daughter now has to wear school shoes to do PE and a skirt not seen any other school do this.”
While another added: “Shame this message wasn’t sent out earlier after buying the school uniform (in May!) then going out to buy the joggers and trainers now finding out I didn’t need to!! Communication is terrible!!” But another parent praised the school for adapting to the current circumstances, adding: “We’re in a pandemic guys, uniforms is the least of our problems.”
Mrs Bulman told the M.E.N. why they have made the change.
She said: “The decision to make temporary changes to the school uniform for September was made as part of our reopening risk assessment which is in line with local and national guidance and advice.”
She added: “The items suggested are standard options in our usual PE kit and many children already wear them for outdoor PE. “However, knowing that cost is a significant consideration for parents, when it became apparent that some families had already purchased uniform and were worried about additional expense, I reassured them that they would be fine to wear it.”