The head of a new primary school in South Wales wants pupils to wear slippers to school to avoid scratching its polished wooden floors, according to an article in the London Metro on January 5th 2007. Female teachers are also banned from wearing high heels.
More than £5million has been spent on Willowtown Primary school in Ebbw Vale, South Wales, which is due to open next month. Parents have branded the new rules 'ridiculous'.
Gordon Watt, Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists spokesperson and lecturer in podopaediatrics, Glasgow Caledonian University comments:
"The parents are certainly correct. This does appear to be a ridiculous rule. It would appear that the aesthetics of the school are taking priority over the children’s health.
"To consider female teachers firstly, this is a commendable view, however regular and habitual high heel wearers may suffer chronic foot problems if they suddenly go into a low heel. This could include Planter Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis.
"Regarding the children, apart from the inadequacy of slippers related to the needs of a posturally changing and growing foot, slippers do not come in recognised sizes, half sizes and fittings. Even if slippers have sizes, they may not match the sizing criteria of perhaps a Clarks or Start-Rite outdoor shoe. Slippers are unsuitable not only from the length and width sizing point of view but also from the fact that they offer no support and have no medium to properly retain them on the foot. This could encourage clawing of the lesser toes in order to retain the shoe on the foot.
"In summary, children at school should wear adequate properly fitting outdoor shoes that they have been measured for. While the concept of teachers wearing 'flat' shoes is commendable it is fraught with the dangers of acute and chronic foot pain if done suddenly.
"I am certain that parents who diligently have their children's feet measured and attempt to put the developing child's foot in appropriate footwear will be concerned not only from a financial point of view but from a long term foot health view that these shoes are being worn for the minority of the day and inadequate ill fitting footwear for the majority."
The Society has produced a free booklet Looking out for children's feet - A practical foot care guide for parents, teachers and children
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Soc Chiropodists & Podiatrists 5-Jan-2007
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