Kicked out for no blazer after theft

Liam Fogg, aged 15, was one of a number of pupils sent home from Mosborough’s Westfield School as part of a wider beginning of term crackdown on uniform regulations.

But his dad Mark is refusing to buy a new blazer, saying Liam was not to blame for the theft and that the school should take responsibility for such incidents on its premises.

“Liam was doing PE at the time last term when his blazer was stolen from the changing rooms,” said Mark at the family home in Bridle Stile Close, Mosborough.

“Apparently it was one of a number of similar thefts around that time. We reported this to the teacher and that was the last we heard of it.

“Now the school is saying I have to pay 22 for a new blazer before he will be allowed back in to school. They say the blazer is his problem and he should be more careful where he leaves it.

“But if my lad is out doing PE he can’t be stood over his clothes. It’s like the teachers are turning a blind eye, so I’ve now reported the matter to the police.”

Mark said Liam had gone into school for the second day and had been allowed to stay, but the issue had not been resolved.

“I’ve told the school I’m not buying a new blazer, he’s only there one more year. I feel very strongly about this,” Mark added.

New Westfield headteacher Sue Simmons said she was not prepared to comment on individual cases, but confirmed there had been moves to tighten up the school’s uniform policy and several students had been sent home.

“I am very aware of this case. If something is stolen on school premises then it is a police matter and we encourage parents to contact the police,” she said.

“We also make sure we follow up such incidents, and as a new head I will be looking to tighten up all our procedures. But we also want our students to be in the correct uniforms, something our governors have decided upon.”