A school has been criticised online after it banned pupils from dressing up as popstars and athletes on a ‘my future job day’.
Durrington Junior School in Wiltshire sent a letter home to parents explaining that children would ‘not be allowed’ to wear such outfits the ‘dreams are so hard to achieve’ and urged families to focus on finding a ‘plan B’ instead.
But the advice was slammed by British Olympic sprinter Jack Green, 26, from Kent, who took to Twitter to encourage children and parents to ‘ignore’ the advice and follow their heart – even if it seems out of reach.
Jack Green, a 26-year-old British sprint athlete from Kent, slammed a school’s advice after it banned children from dressing as popstars or sports people on their ‘My World of Work’ day
The athlete took to Twitter to encourage children and parents to ‘ignore’ the advice and follow their dreams
The note read: ‘Dear parents, This term we are encouraging children to find out more about the world of work…Children are encouraged to come to school dressed as themselves in a job they would like to do in the future.’
A special note added: ‘Special note: We know that some children would love to be professional sports people or pop stars or famous YouTubers in the future.
‘These are great ambitions but so hard to achieve! Because of this, on this occasion we’re not allowing these dress-up choices – instead, we’d like children to think of their “Plan B” choices for future jobs.’
Green was among those who took to Twitter to share his thoughts, writing: ‘Have a read of the “special note” and then ignore it and let your children aspire to be whatever they want to be.
‘Thanks mum and some of my teachers for supporting my aspirations when I was young.’
However not everyone agreed, with rugby player and trainee lawyer Sam Egerton saying it was right to encourage children to think about their ‘plan B’
His advice quickly garnered over 6,000 likes, with fans supporting his motivational advice.
However not everyone agreed, with rugby player and trainee lawyer Sam Egerton replying: ‘Nah, I’m afraid I totally disagree with you here. Encouraging a ‘plan B’ is very responsible thing to do for children. Not everyone makes it like you, and even then, you yourself will need a plan B when the body fades.’
Green reached the 400m hurdles semi-final at both London 2012 and Rio 2016 and also competed in the 400m relay for Team GB.
Green reached the 400m hurdles semi-final at both London 2012 (pictured) and Rio 2016 and also competed in the 400m relay for Team GB
In a statement given to MailOnline, headteacher Jenny Whymark said: ‘Durrington Junior School is running the “My World of Work Day” as a highlight of this term’s project to help our children become more aware of the many exciting options for their lives ahead and to aspire highly for their futures.
‘Our school sets no limit on the children’s aspirations and we follow the philosophy of the ‘Be The Best You Can be Programme’, launched in our school by ex-Olympic athlete David Hemery, which helps children work out the path they could take to get to their dream future.
‘It also encourages them to consider other options for their future alongside their ideal job. This wouldn’t work so well if a large number of children dressed as professional footballers or pop stars, as would be likely,’ she said.
‘I appreciate that the wording on the school flyer didn’t communicate this as well as it might have to parents.
‘I’m sure, however, that when the children talk at home about their learning over the term, it will be clear that they understand the ‘sky is the limit’ for their future lives and that our school will do all we can to help them get there.’
A google street view of Durington Junior School, who sent out the letter to parents