A PRIMARY school has banned its pupils from dressing up for World Book Day – so hard-up parents don't have to worry about their children being 'shamed' in front of classmates.

Bosses at St Nicholas Priory in Great Yarmouth, which looks after some 440 children aged between four and 11, say youngsters should arrive in 'normal uniform'.

Teachers will wear costumes.

But not all parents are pleased at the idea, with one dad saying his daughter had been looking forward to dressing up as a princess from Frozen.

'NO NEED FOR IT TO BE BURDEN'

Headteacher Maria Grimmer said her aim is to make sure the school is "inclusive for all".

"This World Book Day we are not requiring parents to spend extra money on costumes for their children, but instead are focusing on the many opportunities to enjoy the books available in school," she said.

"For some families, making World Book Day a special non-school uniform day becomes an additional financial burden as they feel the need to buy costumes."

'MY DAUGHTER IS DISAPPOINTED'

Mums and dads of youngsters at the school have had a mixed reaction to the plan.

Kasey John Hare, whose eight-year-old daughter Amy attends St Nicholas Priory, said he was annoyed that teachers had "given such late notice".

He said: "Amy was supposed to be a princess from Frozen.

"She's really disappointed as she's had her dress for weeks."

Another parent, Toni Blackburn, said: "I'm really disappointed by the news because some parents have been saving up for costumes.

"It would have been much better to be told this information two weeks ago, or even earlier."
However, others said they backed plans to ditch the dress-up.

Vicky Deveraux said: "I think many have forgot that World Book Day is about books.
"We spend, on average, £10 to £15 on a costume for it, for it to then sit there until next year when it's then too small.

"Wouldn't it be better to put this money towards books for our children?"

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