Row over Pudsey onesie decision

A school headteacher has been accused of a lack of compassion after a pupil was not allowed to wear a Pudsey Bear onesie on BBC Children in Need day last Friday.
Osion Duff outside Seaton Delaval First School in her Pudsey costume.
Picture by Jane ColtmanOsion Duff outside Seaton Delaval First School in her Pudsey costume.
Picture by Jane Coltman
Osion Duff outside Seaton Delaval First School in her Pudsey costume. Picture by Jane Coltman

Melissa Duff got the outfit for her daughter Osion a couple of weeks ago and the eight-year-old had it on when she went to Seaton Delaval First School for the non-uniform day.

Headteacher Oliver Flitcroft told her that she was not allowed in school, as its ‘long-standing’ policy is that onesies are prohibited with the well-being of the children in mind.

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He said a reminder text message about the clothing was sent out to parents at 12.07pm the previous day. Miss Duff said she received the text at 5pm.

She added: “The head-teacher should have showed some compassion because Osion was excited about showing her friends the onesie and it’s not as if she is a toddler who needs help going to the toilet.

“Being dressed as Pudsey was really getting into the spirit of Children in Need and she wasn’t a health hazard, so I can’t understand the decision – it’s ludicrous.”

The school sold biscuits and cakes made by pupils and staff on the day to raise funds for the annual appeal.

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Other activities took place to link with the work it does for the Samaritan’s Purse shoebox appeal.

Mr Flitcroft added: “The policy on onesies has been in place within our school documents for a long time and no other child wore such clothing on the day.

“There are safeguarding and practical issues with wearing one in school all day.”