UNIFORM UPROAR: Springwell headteacher apologises on behalf of clothes supplier

A school has apologised on behalf of its uniform supplier after scores of parents complained about a clothes 'fiasco'.
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Stock picture.

In July, the Derbyshire Times reported how parents of youngsters at Springwell Community College were told to buy uniforms from the school's supplier, Price and Buckland, rather than local retailers.

The school said the idea came from parents during a meeting and was introduced to make its dress code more consistent.

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Now, just a day after the autumn term started, the Derbyshire Times has received almost 100 complaints from parents about uniform-related issues at the Staveley school.

Springwell headteacher Ian Wingfield said Price and Buckland had faced 'difficulties'.

He added: "We have been disappointed to hear from a number of parents and carers that there have been issues with our uniform supplier.

"We are taking up these issues with Price and Buckland and, on their behalf, would like to apologise for the unnecessary anxiety this has created for parents and carers."

The complaints made on our Facebook page include:

Uniforms haven't arrived, leaving parents out of pocket

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Nicola Hale said: "I'm still waiting for trousers which were ordered on August 11." Carrie White added: "Up to yet I've only received a blazer for my son. I've had to go and buy him some new trousers because last year's were too small." Emma Morris said: "Ours never arrived so I'm down £40."

Clothes have arrived but sizes are wrong

Richard Heyman said: "I got trousers yesterday and they are too small."

Uniforms are too expensive

Michaela Murden said: "Some people just simply cannot afford it."

Children are being 'unfairly' disciplined

Bev Carpenter said: "My daughter is being sanctioned for wearing black trousers I didn't buy from the school."

Concerns about school 'control freakery'

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Amy Reddish said: "Their priority should be teaching, not dressing, our kids." Loretta Sandra said: "Parents have enough stress without this bullying."

Independent Staveley councillor Mick Bagshaw said: "This issue is causing a lot of upset and putting much stress on parents and children.

"Parents shouldn't have been made to buy from the school's supplier in the first place.

"I'm in the process of drafting a letter of complaint to Ofsted about this issue."

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Mr Wingfield added: "We have sought to update parents and carers regularly via text message and the college website.

"We have not, and will not, sanction, penalise or isolate any student who is not wearing the correct items of uniform while awaiting Price and Buckland deliveries or resolving sizing issues.

"We'd like to thank all those parents and carers who have supported the college by buying uniforms from our supplier."

The Derbyshire Times phoned Price and Buckland for a comment - but the line kept going dead.

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