POLICE attended Hartford High School today after the ongoing row over changes to the uniform policy boiled over.

Students returned to the school yesterday for the start of term, only for more than 100 to find themselves in breach of the school's uniform rules.

These pupils were then pulled from their classes and segregated in the sports hall, with parents venting their anger at the school's handling of the situation.

However, on Tuesday afternoon, police were informed one parent had been verbally abusive towards a staff member.

Officers attended the school this morning and spoke to the staff member and the parent to resolve the issue.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "On Tuesday, September 5, police were made aware of reports that a parent had been verbally abusive towards a member of staff at Hartford High School.

"Officers visited the school today, Wednesday, September 6, to speak to the staff member and have also spoken to the parent involved.

"It has been agreed that the case will be dealt with by local action (restorative justice)."

Further issues continued at the school today as staff clamped down on uniform breaches.

Mum Rach Dykes said: "It's the same at Hartford again today. I've been to collect my year 10 daughter and the school gates are locked with staff/security on the gates.

"No parents allowed in without appointments which nobody can get with the head.

"A mass of students have walked out after being detained in halls again, 120 in one hall and 60 plus in the other hall.

"Parents angry at the gates. No head there to speak to. She's behaving like a dictatorship and will not discuss further with any of us parents.

"She deemed us parents yesterday disruptive and abusive which most definitely was not the case when I visited. It's utter madness and arrogance not to listen to the views of masses of parents not a small minority as she labelled us yesterday."

Parents had been warned about changes to the uniform policy in April, which include banning trainers and a provision girls must wear tights.

The Guardian has approached head teacher Rachel Pickerill for further comment.

In a statement provided on Tuesday, she said: "A small minority of students arrived at school in trainers.

"Following assemblies for each year group, those with inappropriate footwear were asked to meet with pastoral staff to try to resolve the situation, some of which we were able to do. 

"However, sadly, not all of our parents have supported the uniform policy and some children have refused to comply.

"Children were provided with refreshments and attended lessons and lunchtime from lesson four onwards, having spent time with staff in our sports hall during lesson three.

"All children are expected to attend school as normal, however those who fail to comply with the values and expectations of the school will be dealt with in accordance with our policies. 

"The standards at Hartford Church of England High School are extremely high for a reason. We expect the best both of, and for, our students."