A mother expressed anger after her 8-year-old daughter was sent home from school due to a uniform issue likened to an ‘Army inspection’. Amaya Davies was turned away from St Paul’s CE Primary School in Salford, Greater Manchester, for wearing black boots instead of the mandated all-black shoes. The school had introduced a new uniform policy post-Easter break, specifying black shoes and ties for Year 6 students, communicated through a newsletter.
Despite informing the school about Amaya’s sensory difficulties with shoes, her mother, Gemma Sharples, felt the school’s response was dismissive and lacked consideration for her daughter’s needs. Amaya, who also faces emotional and mental health challenges, was distressed when not allowed entry in black boots, causing her anxiety and fear about returning to school.
Gemma criticized the lack of compassion and failure to make reasonable adjustments for Amaya’s known needs. She highlighted the distress caused to other students, including those preparing for exams, by what she described as a rigid and inappropriate enforcement of the uniform policy. Gemma demanded an explanation for the lack of response to her concerns and sought assurance that Amaya’s education would not be impacted due to her additional needs.
The school defended its uniform changes aimed at creating a positive learning environment but emphasized the importance of parental support. They assured that students not meeting the uniform code would be provided with spare items to ensure their comfort and participation in school activities. Gemma claimed no alternative footwear was offered for Amaya, citing her sensory issues as a barrier.
Vantage CE Academies, the school entity, has been contacted for comment on the incident.
