Kids left ‘almost blue’ and ‘shivering’ after school bans coats in class – despite windows open for Covid

Alex Winter

Published: 13:54, 1 Oct 2020
Updated: 14:24, 1 Oct 2020

PARENTS say their children were left "almost blue" and "shivering" after a school banned coats in class - even though windows are being kept open to tackle coronavirus transmission.

One mum said her son was 'so cold he couldn't talk' after teachers at Wymondham High Academy in Norfolk said he couldn't put his jacket on.

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Children at a Norfolk school were left "shivering" after teachers refused to let them put coats on - despite windows being left openCredit: Wymondham High Academy

But the head of the school says classrooms are well-heated - and children don't need their jacketsCredit: Getty Images - Getty

But the school's principal has hit back - and says it's not necessary to wear coats as classrooms are "well heated".

Charlotte Brannan Milito said: "My children asked if they could put their coats on and they were told that they couldn’t.

“The teacher said putting on a coat would be a distraction to the rest of the class.

"I was shocked - my youngest said he was so cold he couldn’t even talk because his teeth were chattering.

“I understand why the windows were open and I completely support and commend the school on how well they have put all the guidance into place and how everything is running - I don’t have any qualms with that at all.

“It’s just that I really do feel if a child is uncomfortable and they feel cold, I don’t think putting on a coat is going to cause distraction.”

Government guidance dictates that classrooms should be well ventilated.

Fresh air reduces the risks of spreading Covid-19, officials say.

School principal Jonathan Rockey said: “The weather last week turned from summer to winter in a matter of a few days.

“Teaching staff were given discretion as to whether or not pupils required a coat depending on the temperature of the classroom.

“It’s not necessary for pupils to wear coats at the moment as our rooms are well heated but, as part of our risk assessment, our systems are reviewed fortnightly."

A new interactive map which shows the number of cases near every school in England launched yesterday.

Parents can now type in their post code to view accurate and up-to-date information about the Covid-19 rate near their children’s school.

Around Wymondham High Academy, there are nine cases per 100,000 people.

By comparison, Burney - the worst-affected place in England - has 251 cases per 100,000 people.

However, all of Norfolk is now on the Government's coronavirus watch list - meaning that, while the area is not yet near the lockdown or 'intervention' stage, restrictions could be implemented in the coming weeks.