A SCHOOL in Derbyshire hit the national headlines last week after revealing its pupils were wearing slippers in class.

Findern Primary School is trialling the idea after research at Bournemouth University suggested it helps youngsters to perform better.

Now it has emerged that one of Tynedale’s own schools has been championing furry feet since September last year.

Slippers are being worn by all 70 pupils at Broomhaugh C of E First School, in Riding Mill, with the approval and support of parents.

The school’s headteacher of 13 years, Jen Stephenson, said it created a relaxing atmosphere which benefitted educational attainment.

She explained: “If children are relaxed, they are in the right frame of mind for learning.

“I think they are more open to what you are teaching them. They are more confident, they vocalise their thoughts in class and really have a go.”

Jen also brings her slippers to school, along with other members of staff.

She added: “I’ve had some funny looks. When we get visitors and I go to answer the door wearing slippers, they wonder what’s happening.

“But I tell them we are a slipper school and they quickly understand. They usually ask if I want them to take their own shoes off. I tell them it’s their own choice.”

While pupils enjoy bringing in colourful styles of slippers, Jen insisted it was not a fad or a fashion exercise.

Indeed, the experienced headteacher has carried out a wealth of research into a phenomenon she first discovered in Scandanavia.

“I visit Sweden and Denmark with friends who are also teachers,” said Jen.

“When you go into a school over there, it’s commonplace to take off your shoes, and I’ve always thought it makes for a cosy atmosphere.”

But Jen, who also teaches the reception class at Broomhaugh, had no intention of trialling the idea at her school until one significant day last year.

She explained: “The children in reception class were sitting on the floor and had taken their shoes off, entirely of their own accord.

“There must have been something about that cohort of children. They said it was more comfortable, so I did some more research.

“I spoke to the staff and the parents, and everyone was very willing to try it out for the whole school.”

Jen said the feel-good factor generated by wearing cosy slippers relieved children of the discomfort formal shoes could cause.

She added: “Children spend a lot of time sitting and playing on the floor, and in that situation, shoes can really dig in and become uncomfortable.

“The children keep their slippers in school, and we have rows of shoes lined up which helps with maths projects for counting in twos.

“Hopefully the slippers are here to stay. We will see how things go, but it has been a success so far.”

Crucially, Jen said new health and safety measures have been put in place to accommodate slipper-clad feet.

This means drawing pins are no longer used for putting up wall displays.

Ali Barden, who retired as headteacher of Corbridge First School in 2011, said anything which made children happy at school was worth a try.

She said: “When I was at Corbridge, the children would change into slippers in school if the weather was wet outside, and this is an extension of that.

“My view is that if children want to wear slippers in school, then let them do it.

“My only reservation would be if it became an issue for parents; for example if a child wanted to wear a particular type or style of slipper.

“I have mixed feelings on the wearing of school uniforms, but the good thing about uniforms is that there is no question about what a child will wear for school.”