A SCHOOLGIRL has been moved into separate classes because of her braided hair-style.

Zena Elwood, 33, said she had put 11-year-old daughter Bradie’s hair into braids to stop a headlice problem recurring in her ‘Afro’ hair.

But teachers at Darwen Vale High School have deemed it inappropriate.

And they have made the year-seven pupil sit in ‘Reflect’ classes with other children deemed to have broken school rules.

Bradie’s father’s family originates from the African island of Cape Verde, where the braiding style is an important part of people’s cultural identity.

Ms Elwood, of Lower Darwen, said: “It’s completely wrong. They’re not thinking about people’s cultures at all.

“If a boy had Rastafarian parents and he has dreadlocks, would they stop him attending the school?

“My daughter is really upset about it. It’s vital she settles in well at the school and doesn’t miss out on any classes, or interaction with friends.”

She added: “The hair isn’t pink or bright blue, it’s her natural colour of dark brown. They’re only plaits, at the end of the day.”

Ms Elwood took Bradie out of school on Tuesday after learning she had been put in ‘Reflect’.

She has now taken out the braids because she doesn’t want Bradie to miss out on any more classes.

Darwen Vale school rules state: “All styles must be neat and tidy. Unusual or bizarre styles, colours and excessive braiding and ornamentation are not allowed.”

Headteacher Hilary Torpey said their ‘well established’ policies were clear.

She added: “We reminded parents of this policy in a recent newsletter and all parents and carers agree to support the school’s policies, including those relating to uniform and hairstyles, when they sign the Home School Agreement.

“The student was not excluded from school at any stage, but was asked to work in another classroom until the braids and hair extensions had been removed.

“This is in line with normal school procedure. The family has not rep-orted a problem with headlice to us.”