Petition to allow children to wear shorts in hot weather at secondary schools

Mum starts campaign so youngsters feel more comfortable in class on hot days

A Banbury mum has begun a campaign to allow children to wear shorts at secondary school when the weather turns hotter.

Jodie Francis has two children who currently attend a local secondary. Her 13-year-old son suffers with hay fever and the hot weather makes him feel very uncomfortable. Jodie sent him to school in shorts but was contacted by the school over her decision.

Jodie said: “I got a phone call because I had sent my son in with navy blue school shorts. The school rang to say it was not part of their uniform policy, so he was made to change into the school spare trousers.”

Jodie says that no reason was given apart the shorts not being part of school’s uniform policy.

The mum-of-5 posted a message on social media saying she thought shorts should be allowed. She found that quite a few parents with children at a number of local secondary schools felt the same. Jodie said: “A lot of parents have said they completely agree with me. Girls are allowed to wear skirts, but boys can’t wear shorts. Or even girls that don’t feel comfortable in a skirt can’t wear shorts, they have to be hot and bothered in trousers.

“It’s just too hot. Not all schools or classrooms have air conditioning. A child needs to be comfortable when they’re learning. If they’re not comfortable they start acting up in classes.”

Jodie has started a petition at change.org to allow boys to wear shorts when at secondary school. She said: “I don’t see how wearing smart black or navy blue shorts will make a child look untidy as long as its ironed, clean and smart wear. Otherwise, we’re saying that primary school children don’t look smart for school and they do look smart in their shorts.”

In the face of climate change and hotter and longer summers Jodie is hoping the schools will change their policies. She said: “Children need to be kept comfortable whilst they’re learning.”

Banbury FM has contacted several local secondary schools asking for their views on the wearing of shorts.

Published: 16/06/2021 02:26pm by Banbury FM Newsteam