'The school is outing our children with this new rule... it's disgusting'

Parents say their children have been "humiliated" at school after being told to carry lanyards revealing learning disabilities.

Parents say Werneth School in Stockport has told children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to wear or carry sunflower lanyards this week and show them to staff when asked.

Messages from the school, seen by the Manchester Evening News (M.E.N), say the pass can be worn or concealed and that breaching the policy 'based on defiance' may result in disciplinary action. But furious parents have complained it has left their children feeling "embarrassed" at having to share their disabilities.

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The comprehensive school, on Harrytown Road in Romiley, has pupils aged 11 to 16. It is part of the Education Learning Trust (ELT).

A spokesperson for 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."

Werneth School was contacted for comment.

Leigh Jones, from the Brinnington SEND group, has a 12-year-old neurodivergent daughter who attends the school. Ms Jones said her daughter "feels embarrassed that she has to produce this lanyard" showing she has a disability.

She added that the local SEND support group has been inundated with messages over the past few days from concerned parents.

"They want a child wearing a sunflower lanyard to show people they have a hidden disability," Ms Jones said.

"Last night from 3.45pm to 10pm the number of messages I got was shocking, there are families who