Paisley school bans Hallowe’en to avoid offending religious pupils

A PRIMARY school in Paisley has banned Hallowe’en over fears it could offend religious pupils.

Officials at Williamsburgh Primary claim that celebrations could upset some families, with children told they can’t even dress up in Hallowe’en costumes, or have any spooky decorations up in the classrooms.

Pupils at the Renfrewshire Council school won’t get the chance to dook for apples or take part in any traditional Hallowe’en activities.

Yesterday, shocked parents spoke of their surprise at the ban.

One parent vowed to send her four-year-old daughter to school in a costume to protest the ban, whilst another parent who went to hand in a pumpkin was told that the school couldn’t accept any ‘Hallowe’en paraphernalia.’

A letter from school headteacher Nova Scott read: “Some find sourcing costuimes a problem and for some families it doesn’t sit comfortably with their religious views.”

A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council said that they had contacted parents for feedback, and claimed to be ‘happy to go with the view of the majority’ for next year.