School’s Lanyard Policy for SEND Pupils Prompts Claims of Humiliation

Parents have stated that their children were left “humiliated” at school after being mandated to carry lanyards that identify their learning disabilities. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at Werneth School in Stockport, Greater Manchester, have been instructed to wear or carry sunflower lanyards, or face disciplinary action. One mother described it as “disgusting” that her 12-year-old autistic son, Finlay, had been “forced” to carry the pass, adding that he had subsequently been targeted by school bullies. The school has been contacted for comment, while the trust responsible has stated it is working to “fully investigate the issues raised by parents.” Parents have indicated plans to protest the measure, which was implemented on Tuesday as pupils returned from a half-term break. Messages from the school, reviewed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service and the BBC, have clarified that the passes can be worn or concealed, and that breaching the policy “based on defiance and not vulnerability” may lead to disciplinary action. The comprehensive school, located on Harrytown Road in Romiley, has pupils aged 11-16 and is part of the Education Learning Trust. Leigh from the Brinnington SEND group has a 12-year-old neurodivergent daughter who attends the school. She said her daughter “feels embarrassed that she has to produce this lanyard.” “The number of messages I got was shocking, there are families who have not sent their kids to school because of it,” she said. Another parent named Debbie said her neurodiverse daughter, 15, was left upset and humiliated when she was refused entry for not having her lanyard. “The lanyard itself is great away from the school, the idea of it is good, but the point is that it was made to be worn voluntarily,” she said. “It makes me feel quite upset that these kids are being outed [for having a disability]. No one would want to have to carry their medical records around their neck.” Stockport councillor Christine Carrigan stated she was “appalled that children are being forced to identify themselves in this way.” She added, “I would urge the school to take a step back and work with parents, children and the council’s excellent education team to find a way forward.” A statement from the ELT said: “We are currently working alongside the school to fully investigate the issues raised by the parents. This will include a review of current practices used by the school to ensure they align with the ELT ethos that promotes an environment where all pupils feel safe and valued.”