A school accused of sending home a pupil for wearing a tiny earring that prevents migraines has spoken out.
Earlier this week an angry dad told LeedsLive his 14-year-old daughter had been sent home for wearing a discreet earring which helps her to manage her 'debilitating' migraines.
Bobbiemay Smith is currently sitting her end-of-year exams at Cockburn John Charles Academy in south Leeds , but said she had been told that she could return to school until she takes the earring out.
Her father Geoff Smith, 49, said that the piercing 'immediately' cleared up his daughter's symptoms, which included a lack of balance, confusion and even vomiting.
'Medical evidence or a doctor’s note has not been provided'
Now a spokesman for the school has responded to the allegations - and said Bobbiemay is welcome to return once she has removed the earring.
He said Bobbiemay had not been excluded but the school's uniform policy needed to be 'applied consistently'.
He said: "We would like to make it clear Bobbiemay Smith has not been excluded from the academy.
"She is welcome back at any time, as long as the earring is removed.
"Students and parents are aware of our clear uniform policy which is applied consistently.
"In this particular case, medical evidence or a doctor’s note has not been provided to suggest exceptional circumstances. At all times, our focus is on Bobbiemay’s welfare and best interests and we hope to see her return to the academy as soon as possible."
Daith piercings see a small hole created in the innermost cartilage fold of the ear in an attempt to replicate acupuncture. Although the practice isn't universally recognised by medical professionals, Mr Smith said it has worked wonders for his daughter.
Mr Smith said: "Bobbiemay says it immediately cured her headaches and she's not had a migraine since.
"She used to get them every two or three days. It works. If she feels a migraine coming on she plays with the earring and it seems to work."
Bobbiemay even bought a discreet, nude-coloured earring to try and hide it - but she was sent home when teachers discovered the piercing.
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