Francesca Makey, lead orthotist at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, is calling for schools to adopt a policy that school uniform policies are changed. She would like schools to reexamine policies regarding footwear. She argues that many schools’ outdated requirements for formal black shoes can hinder students’ health and comfort, particularly for those with foot issues. Makey recently threatening to withdraw funding and taken matters into their own hands. She is convinced that this change would have an enormous positive impact on millions of children.
As part of her job at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Makey directly works with young patients. To start with, she tackles their foot problems by offering customized insoles and splints. She explains that the inflexible structure of conventional footwear creates huge difficulty for the incorporation of these medical devices. “A simple change in school uniform policy to permit plain black trainers could help protect the health of hundreds of thousands of children,” she stated.
The ongoing debate around school uniform policies couldn’t be more pertinent in South Yorkshire. Almost all UK secondary schools, such as Penistone Grammar School, require students to wear appropriate stiff-soled black shoes. In reality, a lot of primary schools in the area have gone the other way, being a bit more relaxed, letting pupils wear trainers. With this inequitable outcome in mind, advocates and courts alike have begun to question the suitability and feasibility of strict shoe policies at high schools.
Katie Crook, the associate vice principal at Penistone Grammar School, acknowledged that uniform policy is a “topical discussion” within the institution. She reiterated that conversations between administration and students regarding the school’s uniform policy were still under construction. That means discussions on footwear will be the next volley in coming months. “We do have an inclusive policy on uniform – worked over years with stakeholders – broadly speaking a blazer, a tie, trousers or shorts, and smart black shoes,” Crook mentioned.
Makey’s petition has resonated with parents and students, the sound of which can be heard in the video linked above. One student, Amira, opened up about her foot pain from conventional school dress shoes. “At certain times I feel a shooting pain through my feet – running and walking up stairs are difficult,” she said. Her mom, Rachel, voiced similar things by mentioning how arduous it can be to wear pinchy shoes all day. “If you’re at work all day on your feet, wearing the same shoe it can be really tough,” she remarked.
Rachel wrapped up, reiterating how important comfort is in children’s shoes. “Children are the same, and their bones are still soft. You wouldn’t be expected to be uncomfortable as an adult; I don’t know why it’s forced on children.” This view seems to support Makey’s case, for why comfort should be prioritized over rigid uniformity.
Other parents are pushing schools to adopt more permissive policies. They are confident that these changes will better serve their students’ needs. Rachel further stated, “Children coming out of school with a smile on their face is much more important than a tidy uniform.” This story sheds light on the need to put the needs of children above pandering to outdated norms around rigid dress codes.
As this debate continues to grow here in Sheffield, South Yorkshire and across the UK, schools such as Penistone Grammar School are watching closely. Crook expressed pride in being part of a community that values uniforms but recognized the importance of ongoing dialogue: “I think there are discussions to be had.”
