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Parents divided on Downham Market Academy toilet and uniform policies




Parents have continued to clash on the policies their children have to adhere to when in the classroom.

Students at West Norfolk schools were among thousands across the country to join in on protests against the likes of locked toilets and uniform rules.

A number of Downham Market Academy parents contacted the Lynn News to voice their displeasure at what one deemed an “imprisonment of basic human rights”, while another said they were “disgusted”.

Downham Market Academy
Downham Market Academy

This followed reports that the school was locking bathroom doors during lessons, while youngsters had complained about “ludicrous” uniform requirements.

Their protests culminated in police being called to the school in late February.

However, another parent has now backed the school - and believes students should respect those rules.

They also backed the school’s insistence that it has no ‘red card policy’ for female students on their period, which some individuals claimed there had been.

The parent said: “The school is doing a fantastic job after Monday’s ‘protest’ and are trying to make the school equal and fair to all students.

“In every aspect of life there are rules to follow and clearly some students and parents seem to think they are allowed to break the rules.

“The toilets have never been locked to students and there is definitely no ‘red card policy’.

“Most workplaces have a uniform policy along with schools. Some parents and students seem to think this doesn’t apply to them. Rules are put in place for a reason.

“I feel sorry for the staff at Downham Academy who are just trying their best for the safety of the students and to give them the best education.”

The school has once again confirmed that it does not have any rules in places regarding periods.

However, another parent has joined those slamming the school.

A spokesman for Downham Academy previously told the Lynn News that staff had been “ in close contact with our parent body regarding events”.

But the parent claimed this was “completely false”, saying they had emailed staff asking for a meeting but received no response.

“I think the way Downham Market Academy has acted is absolutely disgusting,” they said.

They added that they believe the school’s policies are “completely against basic human rights”.



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