to be annoyed by new school rule?

[tryingnottobeannoyed]

I've name changed for this just in case!

My 2 children (one in infants and one in juniors) have come home from school and told me that the headteacher has told all the children that there it to be absolutely NO physical contact between the children AT ALL.
He has banned Tig and any other chase games because there is touching involved, no holding hands, no high fives and no games like playing families if they touch each other!
I am so annoyed, it's a ridiculous rule to impose and takes all the fun out of playground games and the simple joy of playing with your mates.
The parents have had no information about this new rule at all, no letter or email home, just what the children have told us.

So AIBU to think this is a stupid rule or am I missing the point?

Well I know when playing is impossible children just stand around and verbal attack each other, so I recommend the Head tells them no talking either, and then it will all be perfect peace.

You need to talk to someone at the school, clearly a rule like this is going to be impossible to enforce, and I really don't see how they could justify preventing all physical contact as something that is going to be beneficial for children unless that run an imaginary school where children do nothing but bite, punch and kick each other all day.

Very strange and unsettling. Mind you, years ago our HT implemented a "no running" rule in certain parts of the playground because we were all a bit squashed due to building work. This was misunderstood by the lunchtime supervisors who thought there was to be no running at all anywhere in the playground and of course the parents were confused and livid. It always all sorted out in the end though, once the parents actually spoke to the head. Could be a similar situation for you. If not then I agree that is weird!!

There was a school in Australia I think, which I read about. They abolished all control and all supervision at break times. If a child was doing something dangerous - they let them. They could play anything they liked.

Seems like a bully's charter doesn't it?

It actually improved behaviour, and reasonably quickly too. The children became more self reliant and more risk aware.

I can't believe anyone would 'complain' about this kind of thing, it helps to cut down on issues.

You really believe that? Good fucking lord, it's like a distopic nightmare!

Some of these 'issues' need to be negotiated by children. It's how they learn how to be functioning members of society. Putting Thame in separate cages would cut down on 'issues', but would hardly produce rounded individuals.

If this is true, how sad!

You could put them in little kennels and then feed them a (doggie) biscuit through the bars at lunchtime :)

Simple games of tag can become fights when someone perceives that someone tagged them too roughly.

Yes, and that's how children learn. Play is sooo important!

I have read about this rule somewhere in the US years ago, as a way to prevent teenagers from "inappropriate displays of affection".
But to ban playing tag or hi-fives? Good luck trying to enforce that.

I know of a school teacher who banned touching in her reception class - so no hugs, no sitting with arms round each other's shoulders at circle time, no holding hands
However the OP's school's proposal seems completely unworkable. I'd guess someone hasn't explained a new policy properly. I remember a rumour went round DC's school that all ball games were banned. It wasn't true. It was a temporary measure because of bad behaviour.

A bit out of touch with young children here but what about bandy chairs? Country dancing? Walking in a crocodile holding hands to make sure they stay together when leading them out?

So is it fine for them to use an object to touch someone. Sticks, stones, skipping ropes, lots of things to hit/throw at each other.

It's still at the stage where the new "rule" has been communicated by children to parents. Have you had official word yet, OP, from the school?

Have spoken to school and its true!
I can't believe it, its so ridiculously stupid. Apparently I have to complain I writing, as the head isn't available for comment

When the school avoids communication with parents, it is always a red flag. And if school imposes utterly ridiculous rules, i seriously doubt their quality of teaching. Vote with your feet if you have a chance.

I am really curious about reasoning beyond that. I imagine there are SN children for whom touching may cause distress, or that rough play can turn violent, but other than that?

It's true?? That's absolutely barking! OP I'm sorry I doubted you, it just sounded too wacky to be correct!
And the HT has retreated to the office... Can you get together with other parents and make a joint complaint? Maybe speak to someone at the LA or OFSTED, see what their opinion would be on this one.

I think that would be difficult to enforce!

I want to complain very loudly but don't want to sound like a raving loon.
The head is new, he started last year and since September has made lots of changes, some good some bad but this is the most stupid thing I've ever heard.

Oooh, I would be going to the media with this one! Complete with a DM sad
face....

I live in Ireland so not sure how it works in the UK, but is there a Board of Governers that you could complain to. Also, is there a Parents' committee that could take this up?

The fact that the Head is 'not available for comment' would worry me also. That's hardly a great approach to his role.

DM sad face needed!

Can you e-mail the head, ccing the governers, asking how they both justify this policy and that they didn't tell the parents about it ?

How stupid get all the other parents together and decend on him

Yes and don't forget your flaming torches and pitchforks.

Can you also ask (just out of interest) how they propose the children spend their breaks? Are they attempting to bring in more structured play led by teachers? (sometimes this will be used if there is a bullying problem)

Thinking back to how we played at school and the games that our DC play now, I'm struggling with what your children are supposed to do. The rule seems to stop team games (football, tig, etc). It rules out sitting side-by-side making daisy chains (unless you have a suitable distance between you). It rules out playing at families, most dance routines, superheroes, making nests for little animals (our hands touched aargh!).

I would be writing a letter asking them to clarify the exact rule, why they have suddenly decided to introduce it, how they intend to impose it, how the children are supposed to interact with each other at breaks and (just for fun!) the peer-reviewed research that recommends such an approach to infants and juniors' breaks.

When little kids walk anywhere as a group, teachers usually make them croc- walk in pairs holding hands.
surely this rule is going to confuse many.

its true, my DNeices are at primary school and teachers aren't even allowed to pick them up if they fall down! I remember getting a cuddle off the dinnerladies making sure we were okay
elf and safety innit! ridiculous.