Health and Safety Question , Shoes?

[superbird440]

Received an email from a school employee, who I know very well. I have a website that highlights the concerns of a school that had major problems.
They have asked if there is any guidelines on footwear working in schols. It appears they were pulled up by the New Head, who said that She doesnt want staff wearing shoes with a heal (Stiletto type heel). I have made enquires through a couple of unions and they have no knowledge of this subject being raised.
Ofsted also say it is not in their remit.
The concern was that the Head virtually ordered the member to wear flat shoes and when the member replied that they have just as much right to health and safety rules, in that flat shoes cause them back pain, the Head then said they are having an inspection and if the school fails, be it on their Head.
I found this to be threatening in the approach and initial enquiries suggest that the Head is quite out of order. Added to this, the demand was made infront of other staff.
Also note the New Head likes wearing mini dresses and cowboy boots. I am thinking, the green eyed monster may be in play here, as the member is very smart in appearance always.
Has anyone ever heard of this being a H & S issue.

[atticus]

are you your friend's union rep?

[dls]

I suspect that a school is an environment where rules on what people should and should not where are widespread and accepted. The discipline imposed over children implies a similar right to expect things from staff.

Any answer that may be found may lie in the detail of the school's various policies.

[superbird440]

No, I am not any kind of rep. I started a website which exposed the goings on in a school where the Head was treating the staff like crap and spending nothing on the school. He is gone now but the local authority covered it up and still are. I just try to help where a lot of the staff are still afraid for their jobs, which is a terrible position in my view.
The school has also had major issues with its board of governors.
This shoe issue is just another petty example of how some staff are singled out.

From the StaffHandbook.
Dress-Staff are expected to arrive at school appropriately dressed for the day ahead. It goes without saying, that all members of staff are clean,covered(not too much flesh showing) and clothes are mended.

That is it.

[atticus]

If "friend" feels that strongly that she has to go to school in that footwear, she should seek advice from her union*. Being associated with someone the school sees as a troublemaker will hardly help her.


*a teacher who is not a union member is a fool, given all the potential trouble that teachers can face from school, pupils, parents etc.

[Hairyloon]

Dress-Staff are expected to arrive at school appropriately dressed for the day ahead. It goes without saying, that all members of staff are clean,covered(not too much flesh showing) and clothes are mended.

Strange. Are undamaged clothes not allowed then? I know patched elbows are a tradition in teaching, but that is perhaps going a bit far.

[superbird440]

Firstly, None of the staff are trouble makers and all are members of different Unions. I talk with a couple of rep's all the time. The handbook looks like it was put together very quickly and the new Head is not impressing many of the staff at the moment. The Union view is the school have to put something in writing first, if it wants to try and implement something new. It also goes, that the rule would apply to everyone. The funny thing is no one else has been told.

[atticus]

I did not suggest that any member of staff is a troublemaker.

[Hairyloon]

I did not suggest that any member of staff is a troublemaker.

Oh go on. One of them is bound to be.

[superbird440]

With a wry smile at the last post, I can see you didnt atticus, thanks