PARENTS have reacted angrily to new, stricter rules after a change of leadership at Nova Hreod.

Among those angry at the changes is the mother of 12-year-old Toby Massey, who has repeatedly been put into isolation because to the school objected to his footwear.

But mum Angel, 37, of Moredon, says Toby needs to wear the shoes due to a medical condition. Last year, the youngster had an operation to correct his feet, which were growing inwards, and Angel says he needs to wear the black hi-top shoes to assist his posture.

But new executive principal Ben Parnell says the changes have been welcomed and that classes are now disruption free.

Angel said: “Toby feels like he is being picked on. His feet were turning inwards as he grew older so he was tripping over his own feet. Last year he had an operation in which he had metal plates installed. He was in a wheelchair for six to eight months afterwards. Everybody was being really supportive at the time.

“He is still wobbling around and he can’t wear normal shoes. They are hi-tops to help him stay upright. They say they need to be black and polished, and these are black.

“Since the new rules have come in I have had nothing but hassle from the school. Every day he goes straight into isolation, and I do not think he should be punished for a medical condition.”

Angel said she objected to bringing in a doctors note because the school should know her son’s history. “My word should be good enough,” she said. “The reason why I was reluctant to give in was because they were there for Toby when he first started and they know he is still going through physiotherapy.

“My daughter has also been told off for wearing studs in her ears, but they are plain studs and I know they are acceptable. I don’t believe what you wear makes any difference to your education. It has got blown out of proportion.”

Other pupils have been disciplined at the school for not having the right equipment in class, wearing stud earrings or having the wrong type of haircut.

Mr Parnell says the stricter enforcement measures are paying off.

“Children want to learn in classrooms where everyone is treated the same, where the rules are clear and applied and where the kinds of things that can cause minor disruption are not allowed,” he said.

“The rules are the same as before, they are just being enforced. Homework is to be done each night and the children attending school on time and appropriately dressed, and they behave in lessons.

“Everything has been done to drive improvements and we are very pleased with how students have reacted.

“The concerns raised are around expectations around homework and uniform and ensuring behavioural standards are high enough.

“I would send a challenge out to any parent to come to the school, and we will give a tour of the classrooms, and I guarantee they will be disruption-free.

“If there are medical requirements, along with a doctor’s note, the school will offer to provide that support.”