Since the beginning of this school year, we’ve seen many stories about schools enforcing strict rules on their pupils.
From incorrect uniforms to running in the school yard, parents have been bombarded with guidelines and this latest story is just another example.
Fulston Manor School in Kent have banned children from bringing water bottles into the classroom to ‘avoid problems’.
The decision has caused major backlash from parents and pupils who say it has become a huge problem for those with medical conditions.
Defending his decision, head teacher Alan Brookes told Kent Online:
“We have suspended the taking of water bottles around the site in order to avoid problems created by litter, messing about it lessons and pupils indulging in the current craze of flipping bottles with all the intended and unintended consequences this produces.
“Pupils can still drink in house areas before school, at break-time, at lunchtime and after school, ensuring that there is no prospect of them becoming dehydrated,” Mr Brookes added.
Having tried and tested the new rules, Mr Brookes said he was happy with the outcome but that it will continue to be assessed.
“The pilot scheme saw a marked reduction in litter around the site and despite initial concerns expressed, very few pupils observed drinking water in any of their breaks.
“This apparently reinforces the belief that most carry bottles around out of habit or to provide distraction rather than because of a need or desire to drink.”
