In the Army Now

A primary school has been condemned by parents for disciplining two seven year old boys after teachers ruled playing army games amounted to "threatening behaviour".

Staff at Nathaniel Newton Infant School in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, reprimanded the two boys after they were seen making pistol shapes with their fingers.  Teachers broke up the imaginary classroom shoot-out and contacted the youngsters’ parents, warning them that such behaviour would not be tolerated.  The school, which caters for around 180 pupils aged four to seven, said the gun gestures were “unacceptable” and were not permitted at school.

However, parents have described the reaction as “outrageous”, while family groups warned that “wrapping children in cotton wool” damages their upbringing.  Defending its policy, a spokesbot said:

“Far from stopping children from playing we actively encourage it. However a judgement call has to be made if playing turns into unacceptable behaviour.  The issue here was about hand gestures being made in the shape of a gun towards members of staff which is understandably unacceptable, particularly in the classroom."

Pompous arses.  

The case follows a string of similar incidents in which children’s playtime activities have been curbed by overzealous staff over health and safety concerns.

Earlier this year, a Liverpool school banned youngsters from playing football with anything other than sponge balls amid fears youngsters might get hurt.  One in six British schools has banned also conkers over concerns of pupils being hit in the face.

Other traditional playground games such as British bulldog and leapfrog are prohibited at 30% and 10% of schools.

Says it all.