Primary school bans trendy slip-on ballet shoes to stop playground accidents

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Flat, slip-on pumps have been in fashion for some time - and are an appealing option for children as they are sold for as little as £3.

But the head of one primary school in Liverpool, has told parents that pumps are no longer acceptable in the classroom, as inappropriate footwear can cause unnecessary injuries.

Carol Machell, of Broadgreen Primary, said she was forced to act after a ten-year- old girl slipped while running in the playground and broke her leg.

"Some children are wearing shoes that not only are not part of school uniform, but also are highly dangerous when running around in a playground.

"We cannot take any responsibility for accidents that may happen when children are wearing unsuitable shoes.

"We want to encourage pupils to run on the playground and we want to make the message clear to parents that these types of shoes for children are dangerous.

"They are fine for going to a party but not school."

Parents were told that children's shoes must be black and have laces, buckles or velcro.

Sienna Miller, seen here wearing ballet pumps, which can be bought for as little as £3

But some are angry at the rule. They say the ballet pumps are much more affordable than traditional school shoes, which can cost up to £30.

Angela Mousey, 33, said: "My daughter's been wearing them for six months and had no trouble. I don't think they are that slippery.

"Parents buy them because they are only £3 or £4 and children get through so many pairs of shoes."

Adam Atkinson, 24, who also has children at the school, said: "I don't think this will make much difference. In fact, I think the pumps are a little better for children because they let their feet move around."

Celebrities including the actress Sienna Miller, supermodel Kate Moss, and Carla Bruni, the wife of the French president, have all been seen wearing pumps.

But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents agreed with the school's stance.

"Slips and falls are the most common accidents we have throughout our lives and this is something parents need to bear in mind when buying shoes."