Upset as school scraps World Book Day dress-up

Children at Langafel Primary School in Longfield have been asked not to dress up for World Book Day

Parents are upset that their children are being denied the chance to dress up for World Book Day.

Langafel Primary School in Longfield, Kent, will not be taking part in the annual fancy dress event for the second consecutive year after parents were reportedly told the tradition affected pupil's concentration and attendance.

Parents said the decision was "really disappointing" and pupils "just want to have fun".

The school said its pupils would get to enjoy a visit from an author, adding it hoped its other scheduled activities "more than make up for not wearing a costume".

Elle, whose child Erin attends the school, said: "My daughter loves reading and she thinks for a couple of months about what she is going to go as.

"She's really upset and lots of parents that I have spoken to are really disappointed."

Elle said her daughter Erin was upset about not being able to dress up

Dannielle, whose daughter also goes to the school, added: "At the end of the day, the kids just want to have fun.

"I have to explain to my daughter why she can't dress up when other people are."

A spokesperson for Langafel said they found that the fancy dress tradition "discourages some from attending school".

They added: "Many children just prefer to wear their own clothes and some children, with or without SEND, struggle with costumes.

"We've also heard from some parents that they find the cost of paying for a costume a burden.

"We're sorry that a few parents are disappointed but we hope that the activities their children can take part in more than make up for not wearing a costume."

The school said it would be celebrating World Book Day with an author visit, school activities and pupils would receive a free book.

World Book Day, celebrated on Thursday, sees school children dress up as their favourite book characters, with schools also hosting other reading-themed events.