12-year-old pupil 'fainted from heat' after not being allowed to remove school uniform blazer
Girls aren't allowed to wear socks at the school even in the heat
Denton Community Academy in Tameside
(Image: Manchester Evening News )
A mum has criticised her daughter's school uniform policy, claiming the strict rules were to blame for her fainting due to overheating. Debbi Kinder said her 12-year-old daughter felt ill at Denton Community Academy in Tameside as she was forced to wear a blazer and tights in the heat, with socks not allowed as part of the uniform.
Debbi explained her daughter became lightheaded and despite telling four teachers how she felt before she fainted, she wasn't allowed to remove her blazer.
The Northern Education Trust, responsible for the academy, insists pupils can take off their blazers in class and claims it takes 'sensible steps to keep students comfortable' when the weather is warm. Such measures include re-evaluating the dress code and providing shade and water.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Debbi said: "My daughter had gone to four lessons and in each lesson she told the teacher she felt dizzy and asked could she take her blazer off. She was told 'no', she would be fine."
"The fourth teacher sent her to first aid who checked her over and sent her back to class. As she was walking to class she fainted and was caught by one of the canteen staff.
"I received a phone call from her dad to tell me what had happened and that they had tried contacting me but couldn't get through."
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Debbi arrived at the school to find her daughter in reception, being cared for by the first aider, supplied with an ice pack and a drink, looking extremely pale and barely able to stand. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here .
Debbi added: "I told the school that she would not be attending school while the weather is this hot until they change the uniform policy."
Debbi has since had discussions with a staff member at the school and although her daughter is now attending classes, she is still unhappy that girls are still made to wear tights or trousers.
A spokesperson for the Trust which governs Taylor Lane school since January, said: "We are aware of an incident in which a student felt dizzy while in the lunch area and was quickly supported by staff. Appropriate first aid and reassurance were provided, and no further action was needed.
"During warmer weather, we take sensible steps to keep students comfortable, including reviewing uniform expectations and ensuring access to shade and drinking water. Students are permitted to remove their blazers in classrooms at all times and in line with our uniform policy, students can choose to wear trousers rather than skirts with tights, should they prefer during warmer periods.
"We always welcome working directly with parents and carers, and would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to us so we can address them promptly and constructively."
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Previously known as Denton Community College, NET began supporting the school in September 2023 after Ofsted placed it into Special Measures.
Since becoming an academy, the school has seen significant improvements, achieving its best-ever examination results and becoming one of the top most-improved schools in England.
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