My daughter was locked in a room all day because she wore the wrong shoes at school
A mother is furious after discovering her daughter has been locked in a classroom without food or water because she was wearing the wrong shoes.
Charlotte Byers, 39, claims her daughter was unable to attend school all day because her shoes had gold and black bows on the front.
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The angry mother claims her daughter Lillyanne, 13, was treated like a dog and says other pupils who refused to wear different school shoes were left in the classroom for four hours without “a chance to poop in the toilet”.
Lillyanne, a Year 9 pupil, has been wearing the same pair of £20 loafers to Outwood Academy Danum in Doncaster, South Yorks for two years.
However, she claims that her shoes were a problem this year and she was told to stay in her classroom on the first day of school, only allowed to attend classes if she wore shoes that the school had purchased.
The school denies anyone was locked in the classrooms and says its school uniform policy has remained unchanged since last year.
Charlotte said: “The school, which apparently had no financial support, went out and bought a bunch of shoes.
“They made the girls wear shoes that were too small or uncomfortable.
“Those who would not wear a pair of shoes because they did not fit were punished and locked in a room for four hours, without going to the toilet and without food or drink.
“They had to queue for miles to get in, they were frisked like dogs.
“For some people, this was the first day of school. Seventh grade is a huge transition.
“Imagine arriving nervous on the first day and then being sent to a classroom. I don’t think that’s acceptable.”
The mother says she only learned of the new policy the night before the first day of school, namely that students were not allowed to have any details on their shoes.
Charlotte said: “I told the school and they said there must be something wrong with them because over 80 girls had come to school with the wrong shoes.
“Apparently they only sent the information to a few parents, or not in time.
“I asked her if she could wear the shoes the rest of the year, but she wasn’t allowed to.
EXTRA HELP WITH SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS
IF you cannot get targeted help from your municipality, there may be other options.
In some cases you can contact your school directly, they may be able to provide you with clothing.
Or perhaps you can buy cheap clothes from budget stores or thrift shops.
Some charities also provide assistance to families in need.
Please note that charities are often limited in the amount they can donate and have specific criteria that must be met in order to receive a grant.
Charity Turn2Us has a free grant search function on its website, which will help you see what help is available to you.
In the meantime, you can always contact your nearest Citizens’ Advice office.
If you don’t know where your nearest Citizens’ Advice branch is, you can find it at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/nearby/.
If you are not eligible for a school uniform grant, you may be able to get help through the Household Support Fund.
“She would be forced to wear other people’s shoes or be placed in isolation.”
The mother has since bought Lillyanne a new pair of shoes, but says other parents may not be able to afford other shoes.
She said: “My daughter found shoes for £9.99 on Amazon so we bought them.
“But not everyone is capable of that.
“They need to put their hands up and say they’re sorry, and they know there’s a cost of living crisis, which is quite stressful.
“They should let it go before the school year and do it then next a year without exceptions – how hard is that?”
A spokesperson for Outwood Academy Danum said: “We ask all students to wear their uniform as outlined in the uniform policy, and to wear it with proud.
“The policy has not been changed in any way and has been available for inspection by all parents and guardians throughout the summer. An additional reminder about the policy was sent to all parents and guardians in July.
“It is designed to be fair, equal and affordable for all families.
“Students who arrive at school in the wrong uniform are supported by borrowing school supplies.
“Parents will be made aware of this so that they can help ensure the correct uniform is worn in the future.”
