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Perth primary school gives preschoolers choice to go barefoot

Holly HalesNCA NewsWire
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Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: istock

Children at a Perth school will soon be able to spend their days barefoot under a policy set to be introduced next year.

Preschoolers at Inglewood Primary School, north of the city, can choose to ditch shoes in order to improve “posture and sensory awareness”.

Deputy principal Jo Hart confirmed the change in a newsletter this month, saying it’s intended to “strengthen and promote” kids’ agility.

“We believe that children need opportunities to explore indoor and outdoor environments without shoes,” she wrote.

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Low section view of five school children sitting on brick wall wearing school uniform
Camera IconSome Perth kids can soon opt to ditch school shoes. iStock Credit: istock

“Going barefoot is beneficial to children as it nourishes, strengthens and promotes agility in a child’s growing feet, ankles, legs, knees and hips.”

Inglewood Primary School was chosen by WA Education Department’s Leading Inspired Learning in the Early Years project — aimed at improving early primary teaching.

The unconventional approach to uniforms is part of a wider move in the program to improve children’s “agency” over their own decisions.

Originally published as Perth primary school gives preschoolers choice to go barefoot

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