Students were turned away from the gates of Strood Academy on Monday, the first day of the new term, for wearing the wrong items of clothing – including socks, in one case.
A number of the students’ parents have spoken out to criticise the school for its harsh policy and how it handled the situation.
Jackie Winter, mum of Harri, a 12-year-old girl with autism, explained to local news outlet KentOnline that the incident left her confused and upset.
Explaining how Harri was sent home because her black trousers were “wrong”, Jackie said: “Harri has worn those same trousers for two terms now, and suddenly the school said they were inappropriate, but they haven’t said why.”
“They even left it up to the children to ring home and to make their own way back. As far as I’m concerned when my child is at school she is under their duty of care and it is their responsibility to make sure she is safe, not let her off school grounds to walk home on her own, without even knowing for sure if I’d been contact,” she added.
While a number of frustrated parents have voiced similar concerns, the school’s headmistress Kim Gunn was adamant that staff had acted more than appropriately, in light of the advance warning that had been given to parents.
“Four letters, a newsletter item and a website notification were sent to parents asking them to ensure that students were in correct uniform or they would be sent home to rectify the uniform issue,” said Ms Gunn.
“Strood Academy make no excuses for having high standards for their students, including uniform,” she added.
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