School uniform rules treat pupils 'like criminals'

The school said uniform "sets a positive tone for learning"

Parents feared their children were being "treated like criminals" after new rules were enforced at a school.

Several parents contacted the BBC with concerns over strict uniform policies and reduced facilities at Manshead Church of England Academy, near Dunstable, Bedfordshire.

They told the BBC that children had been placed in isolation for wearing incorrect uniform, and there were fewer usable toilets and insufficient time for lunch breaks.

A school spokesperson said parents were informed of uniform expectations in July and that "staff applied the rules consistently and with care".

Kerry Roblett said her daughter, a Year 11 student, brought a note explaining she needed to wear trainers due to a recent foot injury.

Despite this, she was denied entry and sent to isolation in the sports hall with at least 40 other students, the mother said.

She explained: "[In isolation there are] no pens, no paper, no work, no nothing. Literally, you just sit there and you do nothing.

"The rules are a little bit unfair. We feel the children definitely aren't getting heard, and they're definitely getting treated like criminals."

The school responded: "For any pupils away from their peers, we provided the same induction activities."

Students were sent to isolation for incorrect uniforms

Another parent, who did not wish to be named, said her daughter spent days in isolation after arriving at school wearing black trainers, which had been acceptable the previous year.

She said she raised concerns about the uniform policy in July but received no response.

The school's website stated students must wear black leather or "leather-like" waterproof shoes, but does not explicitly ban trainers.

A spokesperson for Manshead said: "Uniform matters because it sets a positive tone for learning, promotes fairness and helps pupils feel part of the same team. Our expectations simply bring us into line with other local schools.

"We wrote to families on 10 July and shared reminders before September, including clear images of what correct uniform looks like, especially footwear."

The parent added: "I almost feel as if I was bullied into purchasing new shoes because I don't want it to disrupt her education."

The school's uniform website section does not specifically ban trainers

Parents also claimed that toilets previously accessible to students now had signs stating they were for staff use only.

One parent told the BBC it was the "biggest issue" and noted there were only six cubicles available for girls during breaks and lunch across the entire school.

Manshead had 1,026 pupils in 2021, according to an Ofsted report, with a new inspection due to take place soon.

Government guidance suggested one toilet per 20 pupils was appropriate, although there is no set minimum.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Wajid Tufiq, who started the role in June, said: "Keeping all toilet blocks open presents a safeguarding issue.

"By keeping access limited to specific, smaller blocks, we can better monitor student traffic and ensure the safety of everyone in school.

"Your child's well-being is our highest priority, and we believe this policy is crucial for maintaining a secure environment."

A PowerPoint presentation seen by the BBC outlined new lunch arrangements, with different year groups assigned to separate canteens.

Year 11 students were initially told to use a hatch and eat outside, but following feedback, the school allowed Year 11s to use other year groups' canteens during a specified time period.

The school did not respond when asked about these specific issues, but mentioned in its statement: "Food was available and toilets were open throughout the day."