UPSET parents have branded a Quinton school’s decision to not allow pupils to dress up for World Book Day “absolutely disgusting”.

Although youngsters across the region are attending schools today decked out as their favourite book character, Four Dwellings Primary Academy pupils have been asked to wear a hat instead.

This decision has angered parents who said their children have been in tears after not being allowed to wear a costume.

A parent whose two children attend the Quinton Road West school – but did not wish to be named – told the News: “I couldn’t believe what I was hearing when I got a phone call asking me to come into the school and bring my children their uniform.

“Every other school has their pupils dressing up for World Book Day – why not Four Dwellings? I think it’s absolutely disgusting that our children aren’t allowed.

“We were told dressing up would be a ‘distraction’ for the children, but surely wearing a hat will be as much of a distraction.

“Every year since my children have been going to that school they have dressed up for World Book Day. It’s an annual event that they look forward to, so why is this year any different?

“It’s not just myself, many other parents are upset by this and I have contacted Ofsted with our complaints.”

But a school spokesman said Four Dwellings made their decision as not many children dressed up for World Book Day in past years.

They said: “As part of World Book Day Four Dwellings are running a series of events throughout the week to inspire the children.

“Today they have been asked to come to school wearing a hat depicting their favourite book character.

“In the past they have been asked to wear a costume, but not many children participated and of those that did, many wore football kits and other themed outfits rather than book character costumes.

“The children are excited today talking about their hats and guessing the book characters.”

The spokesman said some of the World Book Day related events they held this week included a ‘Super Learning Day’ focussed on reading, a book sale, reading challenges and a storytime and cocoa session for its younger children and their families.

Some youngsters from across the Black Country, however, have been to school today dressed up as their favourite literature characters.

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