Story Highlight
- Philip Morant School has a strict no contact policy.
- Parents express outrage over detention for high-fiving.
- Policy aims to maintain safety and comfort on school site.
- Some parents threaten to move children from the school.
- Headteacher plans to work with students on contact guidelines.
Full Story
Parents at Philip Morant School and College in Colchester have expressed their outrage over a newly implemented non-contact policy, after reports that a student received detention for high-fiving a friend. The school, which has approximately 1,900 pupils, introduced the strict guidelines to promote safety and comfort within the school environment.
Headteacher Stephanie Neill stated that the policy was established due to an increase in excessively physical behaviour that had disrupted learning and raised safety issues. In a recent school assembly, the guidelines were outlined, specifically prohibiting running, ball games, and physical interactions during social times, with exceptions made under certain circumstances such as physical contact directed by teachers during lessons.
One parent took to social media to voice her frustration, stating, “My son goes to Philip Morant, he came home the other day and said I have detention for high five with his friend.” Another parent added, “Children need to know the difference between appropriate and inappropriate contact. Linking arms, high fives and hugs are part of normal human behaviour.”
Concerns have also been raised regarding how the policy may impact students participating in contact sports and those with hearing impairments. One parent mentioned that she had withdrawn her son from the school due to the policy, claiming it hinders children’s natural behaviour.
In response to the backlash, Neill acknowledged that while it is important to set clear expectations, the school is also working with student leaders to develop guidelines that allow for positive interactions among students while maintaining a focused learning environment.
Source: read the original report.
What this means for your site
The situation at Philip Morant School could benefit from a more balanced approach to managing student interactions. Instead of a blanket “no-contact” policy, the school could implement guidelines that allow for appropriate physical interaction while still addressing concerns about disruptive behaviour. Engaging students and parents in discussions about contact and boundaries could foster a healthier environment.
Relevant UK health and safety legislation includes the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which mandates the need for a safe workplace. It emphasizes the importance of considering mental well-being alongside physical safety, highlighting that overly strict and unrealistic policies may negatively impact students’ psychological health. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also applies, as it requires risk assessments that consider the whole environment, including social interactions that support student development.
To prevent similar issues, schools should conduct regular risk assessments that involve feedback from students and parents. They should also provide training for staff on identifying and managing physical interactions in a way that promotes safety while respecting students’ social needs, thereby cultivating a healthier school atmosphere.
