IT seems battle lines are currently being drawn at Nova Hreod.

On one side are some parents who suggest unfair and redundant rules are being imposed on their children, to the detriment of their education.

An especially troubling matter is the claim that one child, Toby Massey, has repeatedly been put into isolation for having incorrect footwear in spite of needing the shoes as he recovers from an operation.

On the other side of the increasingly bitter divide is new executive principal Ben Parnell, who insists that he and his staff are merely enforcing existing rules. In view of what has been said by the participants in the argument, we can see no reason why compromise cannot be reached.

Mr Parnell is entirely entitled to impose uniform standards, subject to the constraints placed on him by the law and his contract.

It is also reasonable for parents to ask that he imposes those rules in a way which is fair.

If, for example, Toby Massey’s doctor were to provide a note saying he needs his footwear for medical reasons, it would be highly unreasonable for the school to take issue with such a direction.

In addition, if parents find themselves facing hefty bills because rules were not enforced in the past and previously acceptable attire is now forbidden, they deserve understanding and assistance.

Aside from such matters, there is nothing unreasonable in a school merely expecting certain standards of dress from its pupils.