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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Aaliyah Rugg & Kelly-Ann Mills

Mum's fury over school's 'outdated' uniform with zero tolerance over skirt length

A mum has spoken out about the uniform policy at her daughter's school which she says is outdated and she struggles to "get behind and enforce".

Louise Tyms said there has been a "gradual change" to Ormskirk School's uniform policy focusing on cutting down the costs for parents.

But added there is now "zero tolerance" to skirt and sock lengths and the policy states tights, if worn, must be a minimum of 40 denier, and students' shoes should also be plain, sturdy, smart and black.

Ms Tyms told the Liverpool Echo : "It's ridiculous and so outdated.

"I fully understand having an appropriate uniform and focusing on health and safety etc but in today's culture it's absolutely ridiculous to focus on girls rolling their skirts down and having knee high socks and 40 denier tights.

The tights need to be 40 denier (Bath Chronicle / SWNS.com)

"I've asked the school for their rationale and they haven't replied to me.

"I personally struggle to get behind something and enforce it if I don't believe in it.

"They are being teenagers, they want to feel comfortable and confident in what they wear.

"If they do PE, the shorts are tiny and the tops are slim fitted. It just seems very extreme.

"My daughter is always good in class, never gets told off and is always in yet her name is jotted down because of her uniform."

Ormskirk school (Google Streetview)

A spokesperson for the school said: "We have high standards across the school, whether that is in results, behaviour or uniform, and we make no apologies for believing it is right that students attend school in appropriate attire.

"The vast majority of parents agree with us on this and we are proud that our students are so well turned out.

"We do not believe it is ‘out-dated’ to want students to look smart when they attend school."

A school letter sent out to parents, seen by the Echo, says high standards of uniform is expected and will be a "daily focus" for staff.

It adds: "We are in the process of identifying students who have incorrect uniform and will be contacting parents directly when there are uniform issues that need to be resolved. Following this communication, we expect all students to be in correct uniform by Monday October 3.

Shoes need to be smart (Veronique McDermott / Facebook)

"Failure to do so will result in students not being able to attend lessons and they will have break and dinner in a separate location away from the rest of school.

"Obviously, we are keen to avoid this which is why we have made the decision to delay the implementation of these sanctions and allow parents time to resolve any issues."

The letter adds that shoes must be plain, sturdy, smart and black.

Ballet style pumps, leather trainers and Vivien Westwood Dolly/Jelly shoes are not suitable.

Skirts and pinafores should be knee length students should not roll their skirts, socks should also be plain, grey and knee length.

Alternatively, plain black tights (minimum of 40 denier) can be worn.

The letter goes on to say: "If a student is persistently failing to comply with our Uniform and Standards Policy, then unfortunately we will have no other option than to issue a suspension from school."

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