A father in Billingham, North East England, has taken his 12-year-old son out of school after the boy was given an ultimatum over wearing shorts during a heatwave. Julian Allen launched an online petition urging Northfield School and Sports College to publish its hot-weather uniform policy on its website, which has already gathered over 130 signatures.
Ultimatum over shorts
Julian Allen reports that his son Oliver attended school on Wednesday and Thursday dressed in his school PE kit, with trousers in his bag, due to the high temperatures. The school told Oliver he must change into trousers or spend the day in 'base' (internal exclusion), separated from other pupils. Allen said: 'It wasn't just him, there were a few children wearing shorts who were given the same ultimatum. I just want them to be able to go to school in reasonable, suitable clothing.'
School's response
Northfield School confirmed that blazers may be removed at any time and in any location due to the warm weather. A spokesperson stated: 'Parents have also been reminded that jumpers are an optional part of the school uniform. The school are following government guidance by relaxing uniform requirements – e.g. allowing pupils not to wear blazers and jumpers.' However, Allen notes that pupils are still required to bring their blazers to school, which he described as 'farcical'. He questioned: 'Why would I be forced to carry a blazer everywhere when you're not going to wear it because it's too hot? It lacks a bit of logic.'
Government guidance and petition
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert, in force until 11pm on Friday, June 26. Government guidance 'strongly recommends' schools 'take a sensible approach to allow for exceptions or adaptations to be made during extreme or adverse weather (particularly where the UK Health Security Agency has issued weather-health alerts) – for instance by allowing pupils to wear shorts or PE kit or relaxing rules on blazers in very hot weather.' Allen's petition calls for the school to publish its policy online, stating: 'If the BBC or Met Office is forecasting it to be above X degrees the night before, this is what the policy is.'
Parental support
Josh Connelly, whose son Bobby attends the school, said: 'I think they should definitely be able to wear shorts. They're not going to learn much when they're sat sweating in the classroom.' He added that while the family has a great relationship with the school, 'I do think there is better ways for them to go about this issue.' The Met Office forecasts temperatures in Billingham to reach 29°C on Thursday, with the heat alert continuing.
