Long queues of pupils were pictured outside a school in Greater Manchester after the introduction of new measures aimed at improving standards. Images showed students queuing up outside The Kingsway School in Cheadle on Monday (February 27) as each child's preparedness to learn was checked at the gates.
Parents and carers were previously informed by letter that pupils would be greeted by 'senior leaders' as they enter school to 'ensure they have everything they need'. The letter explained that the new system aims to 'minimise time spent in the classroom engaged in conversations about being ready which inevitably will detract from learning'.
But some parents have condemned the new policy, arguing it causes extra disruption at the start of the day and is causing children to enter the building late. On a social media post by the school reminding parents of the new rule, one person wrote: "My son was on time. As I dropped him off (8:15) the line of children outside was absolutely ridiculous. Surely there is a safer and more efficient way of checking uniform and bags rather than through one double door with hundreds of kids waiting outside?"
Another mum told the Manchester Evening News it took around an hour for her son to get into school, adding: "Well school starts at 8:30 but he didn't get into the building till 9:30, and to add insult to injury they were sanctioned given demerits for being late to school. They were even checking in bags."
The letter, which was also made available on the school's website, explained to parents that the changes were being introduced following the results of a survey from last year which indicated that some pupils were concerned about their safety. It said that pupils deemed to be not 'positively engaging' at the start of the day would be sent to a 'ready to learn' room to be given the approriate uniform and/or equipment and would be 'required to stay there until they are prepared to go straight to class'.
The message issued by the the acting headteacher also outlined how students 'will take their coats and hoods off and carry them inside school' so that staff can 'swiftly identify any people who are not part of our school or if they are behaving in a way that might intimidate others.'
The letter continued: "Please share this letter with your child to remind them of the expectations at Kingsway. Positive relationships and consistent management of rule breaking is what we aim for so that our children can have focussed, dedicated learning time in the classroom and also feel safe when they are moving around school.
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"We realise that these rules may sound different and possibly seem unfair for your own child but, with your support, it will continue to develop a culture where unkind behaviour or time wasting is not part of school life."
The Kingsway School has been approached for comment.
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