A dad has slammed a school's 'excessive' rule that threatens pupils with exclusion if they forget their pen or ruler. Millfield High School in Thornton, Lancashire, came under fire from parents after sending a text outlining a ‘three-strike’ rule on basic stationery that would result in a 'fixed term exclusion'.
The text states that if a student forgets basic implements - including two pens, a pencil and a ruler - they face detentions and even being temporarily booted out of class. Darren Worthington says his daughter earned her first 'strike' for having a broken ruler and that she was refused a replacement by her teacher - resulting in the alarming text message.
Enraged by the 'joke' of a policy, the dad-of-four took to social media to share the text he received, blasting the school and quizzing how the tough punishment helps students learn. The post, shared on a private group on Facebook, racked up more than 1,000 likes, shares and comments.
Many agreed with Darren blasting the school for being overzealous, however others backed the school claiming those complaining were 'living in a namby pamby world'. Millfield High School said it's 'important' that students arrive at school with the basic equipment, which is a pencil case containing two pens, a pencil and a ruler, and that the rules help to prepare student for the responsibilities of life after school.
Darren said: "Surely this has to be some form of joke. God forbid your child loses a pen, breaks a pencil or snaps a ruler. Possible exclusion! How is this helping the children to learn? Unbelievable.
"I think a fixed-term exclusion is a bit excessive. My daughter's ruler had broken, there was a box of spares on the table, which she was not allowed to use.
"The school is full of stationery, everyone brings their stationery in themselves. I’m sure it’s not got to the point where all of the children forget their pencil cases every morning.
"I just think the punishment of twice or three times in a week is excessive for what it is. Or it will cause kids to take off other kids as they don’t want to get the punishment. Then what!
"People forget things, it’s normal, I’m sure you wouldn’t punish your kids if they forgot something twice in a week. I understand that they are trying to teach the children responsibilities, however the punishment of a fixed-term exclusion just seems excessive. And I can't see how that would benefit the children. I'd even say the 90 minute detention is too long.
"There are stories on the post where the child has been punished by having personal items confiscated as punishment from (FOR) bringing the correct equipment, but in their bag rather than the case. I put the post out to see what others thought and majority agree it's over the top."
However the school defended their tough stance on stationery. Millfield High School headteacher Nicola Regan said: "It's important that students arrive at school with the basic equipment they need for a day of learning.
"This also helps to prepare them for the responsibilities of life after school, and ensures that lessons are not disrupted as staff spend time providing equipment for a small number of students who have forgotten theirs. When students join our school, their parents or carers sign a home-school agreement in which they agree to always send their child to school with the equipment they need.
"As students arriving unequipped has become more of an issue lately we have sent a letter to parents about this before half term, and the action we would take if students continue to arrive without basic equipment for learning. We also offered to buy equipment for any child whose family may struggle financially.
"As this is the first week after parents received the letter we have provided a pencil case with equipment to a very small number of students who came without theirs, and also contacted their parents. We are also in the process of arranging to open a stationery shop at break times, so students can buy spare equipment, to ensure they are ready and fully prepared for the next school day."
The text Darren received read: "Good afternoon. Your child has attended school today without correct equipment. "As per the letter sent before half term, students are expected to arrive with 2x pens, a pencil and a ruler all in their pencil case.
"They should also ensure they have their timetable. Students who forget their equipment twice in a week will be given a 90 minutes Headteacher’s detention. Failure to bring equipment three times in a week will result in a fixed term exclusion."
Others supported Darren's stance saying that such a policy was 'extreme'. One wrote: "Seems a bit extreme. It’s why I’m thinking it’s something internal.
"My daughter starts here in September. I better make sure she keeps spare pens on her socks." Another commented: "There is a difference between teaching responsibility and self-reliance and being completely absurd!
"They fight enough to get some kids into school and to stay in school and you have things like this that affects their attendance. Over a bloody ruler, pen and pencils." One wrote: "What about teaching kindness, sharing and compassion? Has another student got a spare they're willing to share?"
However others sided with the school and said that it teaches kids responsibility and self-reliance. One wrote: "Nowt wrong with a bit of discipline. It’s what today's kids are missing in this namby pamby world."
Another commented: "It teaches discipline. Back in my day it would've been the belt or the shoe and we would've been thankful for it. Thank your lucky stars it's only a text now." One wrote: "It teaches responsibility and self-reliance."
Another commented: "Surely it's not that hard to remember to bring in a pen pencil and a ruler!!!!! They are giving you a warning!!! Not exclusion straight away!"
The school also said that the basic equipment requirement is a pencil case containing two pens, a pencil and a ruler. Students are also asked to ensure they have their timetable either written in their planner or printed.
