DD is in the athletics team for her school on Thursday in an area cup competition.

[OrmIrian]

We have been asked to walk with the children to the school where it is held. But only if we have police clearance which I don't. I have taken some time off to go to the competition but I am not allowed to walk there with my DD. I feel that this is excessive given that there are about 50 children and quite a few parents and teachers present to prevent any harm. Is this just a case of the school doing a bit of arse-covering? And would it be very petty to walk along with my DD on the other side of the road?

I don't quite see how they can stop you walking along a public street with your own child. This is taking H&S to ridiculous extremes.

That was unexpected elasticwoman. Thought this thread was still born

But yes I agree. I want to walk with her. I think I will anyway. DH reckons they don't permit it as it might give someone a chance to 'groom' pupils.

Show head teachers have no common sense when it comes to risk assessment. Far, far more kids are killed and injured as pedestrians than by potential paedophiles so it would be better to have a few more adults (who are almost certainly going to be parents) keeping them safe against the traffic.

Imo the police clearance is a total waste of time if it is not used with common sense, ie in sixth forms you could get a seventeen year old six foot twelve stone "boy" with a 22 year old five foot nothing female teacher - who could cause most harm and who needs the police check

I wonder if it's something that you might take up with the governors? As in a clarification of the situation? Obviously it's too late for this one but it strikes me they're being utterly ridiculous. Funny how our DCs are supposed to demonstrate common sense yet their school has none itself!

what a load of shit.

I have never heard anything more ridiculous in my life!

I am beginning to wonder if it's just been an instant unconsidered decision. Most parents think it's stupid.

Come to think of it, OrmIrian, as a primary school governor I can tell you that at our school CRB clearance is only required for parents who come into school regularly to help. For one-offs such as you describe it is not necessary.

Sounds to me like some one has misunderstood the requirements. Has any one challenged the management on this?

No of course not elasticwoman! I would but I've been at work and I suspect it's not a question of popping into the office and asking them to reconsider . And our school has a lot of mutterers and whingers in corners and not much else. I did speak to DD's teacher but she denied all involvment.