A school has sparked outrage after introducing new policies that saw students forced to queue outside before being 'searched'. The Kingsway School in Cheadle has come under fire, with parents on social media claiming the school has 'more rules than Strangeways' as one concerned mum told the M.E.N the new policies were 'like a military operation'.
However, in a response, the school has said the 'firm approach' has been 'very well supported' by families and that delays to the queues on Monday were down to students either needing to retrieve equipment from their bags or waiting to be provided with the correct uniform. They added the queuing will reduce in time.
In a previous letter to parents, the school said that from February 27, pupils would be met by 'senior leaders' at the gates to 'ensure they have everything they need'. Concerned parents reported that bags were searched and that the rules had 'gotten out of hand'.
READ MORE Pupils seen in 'ridiculous' queue outside school after it introduces new 'search' policy
Pictures and videos taken from outside the school, on Foxland Road, and shared with the Manchester Evening News, appeared to show huge queues of pupils stood outside after the 'key changes' were implemented on Monday.
Parents were issued a letter asking for their support in maintaining and improving the 'standards' at the school following a survey last October, that outlined how some pupils 'worried about behaviour, especially in the corridors' and that some felt 'unsafe' seeing students wearing coats or hoods inside school when not in lessons.
As part of the new changes, the letter outlined that students would be met by senior leaders at the gates, and that those not 'positively engaging' would then be sent to a 'ready to learn' room to be given the correct uniform or equipment, or 'required to stay there until they are prepared to go straight to class'.
After the school shared a reminder of the 'key changes' to social media, one parent commented there were 'less rules in Strangeways prison' as another posted: "Seen less restrictions at army bases and in prisons."
One parent, who spoke anonymously, told the Manchester Evening News: "I have four children, three have been to Kingsway and my youngest is due to start in September. The rules seem to have gotten worse and out of hand. I think there must have been issues for them to implement these new rules, but I am quite upset by it, it seems a step too far.
"Children go to primary schools, which are nurturing environments and then at high school it's the opposite, lining up to be searched, told they can't wear coats. I completely understand the need for rules, but it's just a step too far.
"I don't think it's fair that children have to line up to get into school, when its cold. I just don't think you can treat children like that, it isn't very respectful.
"I know it's hard because it's a big school and they are policing a lot of students but this is too much. It is like a military operation, these kids are growing up and want to express their identity. It's too controlling and I don't think schools should be run that way."
Another mum commented: "My son was on time. As I dropped him off (8:15) the line of children outside was absolutely ridiculous. Surely there is a safer and more efficient way of checking uniform and bags rather than through one double door with hundreds of kids waiting outside?"
The letter outlined the measures were introduced to 'minimise time spent in the classroom engaged in conversations about being ready, which inevitably will detract from learning' and to therefore provide a 'calm, focussed start to lessons'.
The message issued by the the acting headteacher also outlined how students 'will take their coats and hoods off and carry them inside school' so that staff can 'swiftly identify any people who are not part of our school or if they are behaving in a way that might intimidate others.'
The letter continued: "Please share this letter with your child to remind them of the expectations at Kingsway. Positive relationships and consistent management of rule breaking is what we aim for so that our children can have focussed, dedicated learning time in the classroom and also feel safe when they are moving around school.
"We realise that these rules may sound different and possibly seem unfair for your own child but, with your support, it will continue to develop a culture where unkind behaviour or time wasting is not part of school life."
The school said in a statement: "The Kingsway School has asked families to support their children to be prepared for learning which will ultimately have a positive impact on school life. This firm approach has been very well supported by our families with the vast majority of pupils arriving on Monday with the correct equipment and ready to learn. This is a necessary step to improving achievement and behaviour in the longer term.
"There were supervised queues outside school yesterday until approximately 8:45am, because children were being asked to show that they had their learning resources ready as they entered the building; some children had to retrieve it from their bag causing a delay. Additionally, children who did not have what they needed were being provided with equipment and uniform which slowed the process. This queuing will reduce as preparedness becomes second nature to our children – an essential skill for life."
The letter sent to parents in full:
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