Pupils left 'humiliated' by school's lanyard rules

Parents have said their children have been left “humiliated” at school after being told they must carry lanyards that detail their learning disabilities.

Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at Werneth School in Stockport, Greater Manchester, have been told wear or carry sunflower lanyards or face disciplinary action.

One mother said it was "disgusting" her 12-year-old autistic son Finlay had been "forced" to carry the pass, adding he had been targeted by school bullies as result.

The school has been contacted for comment, while the trust in charge has said it was working to "fully investigate the issues raised by parents".

Parents have said they plan to protest against the move, which was brought in on Tuesday as children returned from a half-term break.

Messages from the school, seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service and the BBC, have said the passes can be worn or concealed and that breaching the policy "based on defiance and not vulnerability" may result in disciplinary action.

The comprehensive school, on Harrytown Road in Romiley, has pupils aged 11-16 and is part of the Education Learning Trust.

Leigh from the Brinnington SEND group has a 12-year-old neurodivergent daughter who attends the school.

She said her daughter “feels embarrassed that she has to produce this lanyard”.

"The number of messages I got was shocking, there are families who have not sent their kids to school because of it,” she said.

Another parent named Debbie said her neurodiverse daughter, 15, was left upset and humiliated when she was refused to be let in [for not having her lanyard].

“The lanyard itself is great away from the school, the idea of it is good, but the point is that it was made to be worn voluntarily,” she said.

“It makes me feel quite upset that these kids are being outed [for having a disability]. No one would want to have to carry their medical records around their neck.”

Stockport councillor Christine Carrigan said she was “appalled that children are being forced to identify themselves in this way".

“I would urge the school to take a step back and work with parents, children and the council’s excellent education team to find a way forward,” she added.

A statement from the ELT said: “We are currently working alongside the school to fully investigate the issues raised by the parents.

“This will include a review of current practices used by the school to ensure they align with the ELT ethos that promotes an environment where all pupils feel safe and valued.”

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