Principal defends 'no running in the playground' rule

Mr Derek Capper said the decision had been taken, as it has been from time to time over the years, to advise children not to "charge/run about in the playground for a period of time" after a number of pupils sustained minor injuries.

He added that playground supervisors were concerned that unless action was taken a serious injury was "waiting to happen."

"This was to limit the risk to other children from a particular game that some of them were playing," explained Mr Capper. "Occasionally during the winter months when the grass area is unusable the school has to limit their own running and chasing games to ensure the health and safety of all its pupils. These limits are usually imposed on a short term basis while the children devise other games."

Mr Capper also explained that the school is in the process of purchasing thermoplastic markings for the playground to enable 'constructive and purposeful activities' to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

"A careful balance has to be established between imposing limits on children's activity and the safety of others," he continued. "Unfortunately, children in their enthusiasm for their games do not see the risk to others. This is an educative process to ensure that children are safe and free from injury, yet are able to expel their energies outside the teaching periods in the classroom."

Mr Capper's comments come after Councillor Jonathan Craig criticised the school for prohibiting running in the playground.

"Part of being a child is playing, running and generally having fun," said Mr Craig. "Many children will naturally want to run. I feel that Anahilt Primary School is being rather harsh on their children by banning them from running. This is an example of health and safety regulations being taken too far and I feel it restricts a child's right to play and be a child.

"Children will run; that's what they want to do when outside," he continued. "Running is good for any child and shouldn't be discouraged for whatever reason, especially given the fact that children are more likely to stay indoors these days, watch television and play computer games. We must see schools encourage physical activity rather than banning it."

However, Mr Capper insisted that far from restricting children, the school actively encouraged sport and physical activity. "Anahilt Primary School is still involved in Youth Sport and every child has the opportunity to participate in a wide range of physical activities. These are all organised sporting activities and are carried out in a safe environment. The difficulties occur when the children participate in their own chasing and running games at play time and are oblivious to other children."

Mr Capper also questioned why Mr Craig had failed to contact the school about any concerns he had.

"It is very regrettable that the first time that the school was aware that a parent was concerned about restrictions on what children could do at play time was a telephone call from the press," he said.

"Apart from contact by the press Mr Craig has still to contact the school to express any concern. At no time, either in the past or present has any parent complained about steps taken to stop injuries to other children. The situation in the playground at play time is kept constantly under review to ensure that there is a balance between activities and the safety of all children," he added.