Growing numbers of parents turning up on school run in pyjamas and slippers, headteacher says
Kate Chisholm says it is 'not too much to ask parents to have a wash and get dressed'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A headteacher has written to parents to complain about the growing number doing the school run in their pyjamas.
Kate Chisholm, head of the Skerne Park Academy primary school in Darlington, raised the issue after some parents started turning up at the school gates in slippers, and others even wore pyjamas to school assemblies and meetings.
After asking the adults to “set a good example” in a letter sent out last week, she told the Press Association it is “not too much to ask parents to have a wash and get dressed” in the morning.
Ms Chisholm said she believed most in the community supported her intervention, but admitted there had been negative responses too. She told the BBC that some parents said it was their “human right” to wear what they wanted, while some on Twitter suggested she was “imposing her middle class values” on everyone else.
Phil Naylor, a parent who has children at the school, said: “We all support the school and I hope this helps get the message across to parents.
“It's disgraceful, we should be guiding our children not giving them bad habits.”
In the letter, Ms Chisholm said: “I have noticed there has been an increasing tendency for parents to escort children to and from school while still wearing their pyjamas and, on occasion, even slippers.
“Could I please ask that when you are escorting your children, you take the time to dress appropriately in day wear that is suitable for the weather conditions.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments