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Original poster

I'm angry. School has banned children from brining back packs.

91 replies

spidermama · 08/09/2005 10:05

Oh dear. The first week back at school and already I'm going to have to start a campaign. Do you think I have a case?

We've had a note home from dd and ds's primary saying children can only bring book bags to school. Back packs and other bags are banned. These standard issue book bags, which fasten with velcro, are only designed to carry one or two small books.
My children walk to school every day with drinks bottles, books and lunchboxes. Most days there's something extra (PE kit, letters, money). I also encourage them to put things in their back packs (cardigans, hats) so they wonn't lose them.

Without a proper bag to put all their stuff in, the school run is very hard for them to manage and I find we're stopping to pick up stuff we've dropped every couple of steps. I can't be of much help with the carrying as I'm pushing a pushchair and holding hands.

Since I bought the backpacks last term my kids have been far more independent and lost far fewer of their possessions at school.

I also think it's good practice because it's healthier and better for posture to carry things in this way. Does anyone know of research which would back this up?

The school argues there's not enough room on the pegs for backpacks. I think this isn't good enough.

What do you think?

OP posts:

Enid · 08/09/2005 10:07

dd1s school don't allow backpacks either unless you are going to stay with someone.

Cant they put the bottles in their lunchbox and books in their bookbags? Then they could carry a book bag in one hand and a lunchbox in the other?

edodgy · 08/09/2005 10:07

Found hope it helps

edodgy · 08/09/2005 10:07

that should have said found this lol

friskyfeski · 08/09/2005 10:08

i would have thought that it was deffo not on to suggest that kids can't have backpacks- they are MUCH better for the back. There is a back pain association which a few years ago was promoting back packs for children- will see if i can find a link for you.

acnebride · 08/09/2005 10:09

I think this is ludicrous. Erm, change the pegs, anyone?

Try this? I only googled 'shoulder bag posture', so I'm sure there's more out there. Also try sending an enquiry to the Health Information Service which is one of the links on the lefthand side of NHS Direct Online .

gigglinggoblin · 08/09/2005 10:09

our school says the same and it has never bothered me, but pe kits stay at school and drinking cups are supplied by school so we dont need bottles. mine dont have a problem carrying their lunch box, book bag and clothing. if they need to take off a hat or something they can put that in their book bag and letters/money always go in there too. if they have to use a backpack could you take it home with you? or you could keep a pe bag on their peg for stashing hats etc in

Kelly1978 · 08/09/2005 10:10

I would ignore them and carry on regardless.

NannyL · 08/09/2005 10:11

I think you are perfectly reasonable.... i know exactly the bags you mean.... in fact at my charges school they are called 'reading folders' because they simply fit in the reading book, envelope of words, and a note home... occasionaly in the summer when nothing else is bough to school the school jumper gets in as well (but only one to fit a 4 year old... and then its full to the brim!

How on earth are your children supposed to carry that, a lunch box, a PE kit, hats / gloves etc, and the other things that frequently travel too and from schoo... items for the topic table for instance? (Oh AND have a had free to hold safely for road crossing?)

I think you are right.... carrying it all in a back pack is better for their posture.

I would also go in and have a word with the teacher.... maybe they could 'ban' those enourmouse 'hiking style' back packs 9which really are too big for school pegs) but allow smaller more sensible sized ones?

friskyfeski · 08/09/2005 10:12

too late.

Enid · 08/09/2005 10:15

Dd1s school don't allow backpacks partially to limit the amount of stuff they bring to school. But PE bags and sunhats stay at school all half term so that does make it easier.

scotlou · 08/09/2005 10:15

Our school has large bins in the cloakroom - one for each class - and the kids dump their back packs in there. Works fine (although small school - suppose may depend on size / space at other schools)
They must take all food / drinks out of their bags first - they have a rack for these in the corridor. PE kit is left on their peg all week (or all term in my case!) as they may use it. School also now issues a special pouch on a Friday into which they put notes home etc - and we send it back on Monday with the dinner money (fits inside their book bags)

Enid · 08/09/2005 10:16

I am sure if you had to take extra stuff in (for a project) they would let you take it in a bag!

Original poster

spidermama · 08/09/2005 10:19

Brilliant. Thanks edodgy.
And acnebride. excellent ammo.

I'll suggest the bins idea scotlou.
I really think the backpacks (yes, small ones) are worth fighting for. They make life so much easier and the children are better able to take care of their things.

OP posts:

friskyfeski · 08/09/2005 10:20

Can i just ask- those of you who leave PE kits there all term- Don't you have to wash it?

Original poster

spidermama · 08/09/2005 10:22

I totally agree kelly and fully intended to ignore the direction and carry on regardless. The problem is, my son wants to do as the school tells him. Normally laudable. Hmmmm!

OP posts:

littlerach · 08/09/2005 10:23

I was thinking the same, as DD1's school have the same policy re backpacks.
TBH, it doesn't bother me, as PE kits stay there, and cardies fit in their drawers. But surely you do have to wash the PE kit?

Enid · 08/09/2005 10:23

ah spidermama, don't make it a big issue if your son doesn't want you too

I know you will though

I wash dds pe kit every half term, the tshirt is very grubby and creased but the school dont seem to mind.

Enid · 08/09/2005 10:24

I could go and pick the PE kit up every week and wash it if I felt it was necessary. but she's only in year one and I dont think they do anything particulalry messy yet.

milward · 08/09/2005 10:26

What a stupid thing to ban as back packs are recognised to reduce back strain in kids.

Some kids at my dd school have trolley bags that can go onto the back or can be pulled along - so not officially a backpack! - could try one of these?

Kelly1978 · 08/09/2005 10:28

maybe he will change his mind when he has to struggle with everything?

ff - we leave PE kit there all term, just comes home at half term and end of term for washing. Considering they have PE twice a week, I thought it was rather bad! Plus I had no idea dd had outgrown her plimsoles til end of term.

flashingnose · 08/09/2005 10:37

Spidermama, it's worth fighting for! I received fantastic advice off a mum with 4 kids last term (am I right in thinking you've got 4 kids too?) - she said she couldn't be doing with faffing around with umpteen different bookbags, lunchboxes etc etc and they walk to school, so she bought each of them a backpack and made them responsible for packing and carrying it. Hands free, everything in one bag, encouraging independence and no bad postures. Fantastic. So far this term, it's revolutionised my walks to school.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Original poster

spidermama · 08/09/2005 10:50

Thanks flashingnose. Yes I do have four.
It's so obviously people need sensible bags to carry things in. Surely it's good practice.
I'm drafting a letter to the head now. Thanks for your suggestions. Perhaps I'll run the letter by you for approval before sending it.

My achool runs have also been revolutionised by back packs and I will fight for them.

OP posts:

weesaidie · 08/09/2005 11:06

Banned backpacks??? I am sorry? Because the pegs aren't big enough? That is ridiculous. Especially considering they are better for children.

I can't believe they can actually do that or would do it.

I agree that a 'book bag' won't always cut it if your kids have a lot of stuff, why should the school make you and your kids life more difficult??

I know it is a small thing to some people but that kind of thing really p*sses me off, I am terrible though, I would be down there in the heads office saying, 'how dare you tell me blah blah blah!'

Probably wouldn't do any good!

Good luck to you!

kama · 08/09/2005 11:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

paolosgirl · 08/09/2005 11:30

There are some headteachers that are completely barking....

DS has a book bag and a backpack for the pencil case, homework, snack etc etc etc, and there really is no problem with the peg size - unless for some reason your school uses minute pegs? I'd be complaining as well - what do all the other parents think? Sometimes parent power can be a strong thing, so it might be worth complaining en masse.

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