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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Original poster

No backless sandals allowed.....

73 replies

BG2015 · 09/05/2018 19:52

Health and safety gone mad.

We've been told today that we are no longer allowed to wear sandals without a back. Fine to have an open toe they just have to have a strap around the ankle.

I've been working in schools for nearly 30 years and at my current teaching job for 18 years. Always wore sandals in the summer.

Looks like I'll be shopping at the weekend because someone's worried I might fall off my shoe, trip up or.....something??

OP posts:
Dermymc · 09/05/2018 21:31

Or perhaps they just want you dressed professionally?

We've had a reminder about staff dress recently. Some female staff were pushing the limits.

Original poster
BG2015 · 09/05/2018 21:34

No, nothing said about dress - we all dress professionally and appropriately- this is purely shoe wear.

OP posts:
piebarm · 09/05/2018 21:45

So you essentially wear flip flops at work?

Odd

theeyeofthestormchaser · 09/05/2018 21:46

Odd. I’d rather have lower school staff wearing flip flops than stilettos, as many of them do...

Lilao · 09/05/2018 21:46

I've had this before at several office workplaces.

I think when questioned it was something to do with tripping up on stairs?

I do agree it seems a little overkill unless a specific incident has prompted it

Dermymc · 09/05/2018 21:46

I agree flip flops aren't professional for work.

Original poster
BG2015 · 09/05/2018 21:48

No they are not flip flops - they are attractive sandals and quite raised up on the top of my foot. Very supportive and about £40 from Clark's.

Quite a few of the staff wear similar. We have done for years!

OP posts:
fullponty · 09/05/2018 21:49

I don't think backless sandals are particularly professional. I can see their point.

Dermymc · 09/05/2018 21:49

OK BG now they sound fine. I'd carry on with wearing them!

M0reGinPlease · 09/05/2018 21:50

I agree flip flops aren't professional for work.

Bit of a sweeping statement that.

I'm not sure if you teach Primary OP but I hate seeing primary teachers dressed in power suits and heels. You should be (appropriately) comfortable to interact with the children. Not looking like you're going to give a board room presentation.

Mossend · 09/05/2018 21:50

We have this rule at work too, office based

FowlisWester · 09/05/2018 21:52

Bah I teach secondary and wear flip flops. I'm certainly not the only one.

Original poster
BG2015 · 09/05/2018 21:53

There are a total of 4 steps in our school. I've never tripped up or down them. I don't run in them.

I don't mind following health and safety rules if they are appropriate but to me this is ridiculous.

OP posts:
FowlisWester · 09/05/2018 21:53

In fact our head wears them😁

OliviaStabler · 09/05/2018 21:56

Surely any backless sandal (or one with a strap around the ankle in some form) is a flip flop.

Flip flops are not professional footwear

Lookingforspace · 09/05/2018 21:56

Not all backless sandals are flip flops. Some are very structured with most of the front covered by leather; more mules than flip flops.

And they are far more appropriate and practical for teaching, especially primary, than a pair of heeled court shoes.

Original poster
BG2015 · 09/05/2018 21:56

I teach Year 1. Often sit on the floor and find my stilletoes a hindrance when trying to get back up. Grin

I'll do as I'm told however and go and buy new footwear. Just hope I don't stub my toe on one of our steps!

OP posts:
OliviaStabler · 09/05/2018 21:56

Sorry that is without an ankle strap

wowbutter · 09/05/2018 21:57

Oh for gods sake!
My last chill said no open toes, so I bought a loaf of closed toe sandals. If they sad no open heel I would have been so mad. It doesn't matter!

Original poster
BG2015 · 09/05/2018 21:58

Fowlis our Head did too - she retired last year!

This has come from our new headteacher. He doesn't wear them!

OP posts:
FowlisWester · 09/05/2018 22:01

Maybe he'll surprise you and crack out a sandals and socks combo😂

FlatTopVera · 09/05/2018 22:02

I’m a head. I wear my Birkenstocks!

Original poster
BG2015 · 09/05/2018 22:06

FlatTopVera that's what my head used to wear! She had different colours.

OP posts:
youarenotkiddingme · 09/05/2018 22:06

I prefer to see teaching staff dressed comfortably and in an approachable attire - rather than CEO professional and standoffish iyswim?

The only thing that bugs me is when they are dressed weather appropriate, smart, professional and approachable and are forced to follow stupid guidelines like making students ask permission to remove jumpers and blazers. Grin

InfiniteCurve · 09/05/2018 22:11

I'm a professional,though not a teacher.Professional = doing my job to the best of my ability,keeping my skills current,putting the client first.
I can do it in flip -flops - though personally I wouldn't - I can do it in boots,shoes,whatever.Once I did do it in wellies.
Ability to do job ,important.Shoes,not really important at all.
IMO .
Also in what world are all backless sandals flip flops? Aren't flip flops those things with a bit between the toes that you wear on the beach??