Teachers said my son’s £16 Asda shoes are unacceptable… school offered to buy a new pair but I won’t accept them
A MUM is outraged her son was told he can't wear his £16 Asda shoes at school - but she won't accept a new pair they've offered.
The single mum-of-four, who asked not to be named, says teachers at Paignton Academy in Devon pulled her 11-year-old aside last Tuesday and told him his shoes didn't comply with policy.
The £16 shoe from Asda's Back to School range are not accepted because a part of them isn't able to be polished.
According to new school rules introduced in April, no canvas or trainer type material is permitted, reports.
All shoes must now be black leather or similar apart from some minor stitching and be "polishable".
The footwear is not allowed to contain any sports insignia, logos or badges however velcro straps are allowed instead of lace.
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While trying her best to provide for her four children, the mum now feels like she has failed her kids.
The mum, whose three older children also went to the school, said: "Providing my son with the correct uniform has been an expense which, to be honest, I really could have done without.
"I have made sacrifices in order to clothe my child appropriately.
"I do believe that given the current cost of living crisis, measures should be put in place so as not to put any parent at a disadvantage.
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"I would certainly choose to eat and heat above providing a school uniform."
She explained it's been frustrating to see her youngest kid so stressed over the shoe she bought him.
The mum says the school offered to fund a new pair of shoes for her son which fit within the new guidelines but turned them down because she's worried about where the funding is coming from and isn't keen to "waste" the new shoes.
Although she believes there should be a uniform policy, she says the leather shoes are not only expensive, but would be uncomfortable for his journey to school.
She said: "The comfort of wearing a polished shoe is appalling and considering my son has to walk 45 minutes each way to and from school, I would not want him to wear stiff leather shoes.
"My son has experienced stress in starting his new school which has been heightened due to the continued harassment from members of staff enforcing what I consider to be a ridiculous policy. The world has gone mad. It's Paignton Academy, not a private school."
She said her son has been given a "green card" for this week while she figures out an alternative following discussions with the school.
Paignton Academy has assured that parents and carers have been fully informed of its new school uniform policy for the past five months.
In a statement, a spokesperson said parents who were unsure about the shoes were urged to ask the school for advice.
They explained changes to the policy were made clear to parents of both new students and those who were returning to the school.
It was explained: "In communicating this adjustment to parents/ carers, we acknowledged that footwear can be a confusing topic.
"We firmly believe, and in line with the Department for Education guidance, that a school uniform should set the 'appropriate tone' for education and that a professional attire, and the highest expectations of, improves attitudes towards work. In line with all aspects of uniform, reasonable adjustments are made.
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"We are also working closely with a small number of parents in order to support them in helping their child comply with our uniform policy.
"The vast and overwhelming majority of our students have returned to school wearing school shoes. The school has had communication with parents/carers who are fully supportive of this uniform adjustment."