Parents are outraged that their daughter's school, Morland Primary, has cancelled all school performances and dance and drama clubs because a child fell off stage and broke his arm.
Back L-R Suzie Amass, Caitlin McClean, Wendy Clay
Front L-R Karina Wiseman, Alyssa Clay
Ipswich: School axes dance and drama after accident
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
9:00 AM
IPSWICH: Concerned parents are today calling for teachers at Morland Primary School to reinstate cancelled dance classes and drama productions after an accident at the school forced action to be taken.
In a letter to parents, headteacher Ken Marrable informed them that “due to an incident and its consequences there will be no further dance and drama clubs at the school, nor any further theatrical performances in or after school”.
The action is the result of an accident, in which a pupil fell off the stage and broke his arm before Christmas.
But other parents are angry that this “one-off accident” has resulted in all children missing out on an important part of school life.
Wendy Clay, whose eight-year-old daughter Alyssa goes to Morland Primary, said children have been making their own posters in protest at the move, displaying them around the school.
The mum-of-two added: “All the children are very upset. Alyssa is in year four and was really looking forward to taking part in the school production from September when she moves up into year five.”
Mr Marrable said the decision to cancel all performances and clubs was difficult but moved to reassure parents it is only a temporary measure. He said: “It came to our notice that the parents of the child were not satisfied with the health and safety and so we have taken action while we assess the situation.
“Accidents happen, it is about getting the balance between accidents and negligence. We hope the cancellation will only be necessary for the next two to three weeks.”
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15 comments
For those who see this as a non story... you obviously do not have children & are not connected with the school. If you were you would know that in the letter that was sent home the head DID NOT state that this was only for a few weeks, infact his letter said that there would be NO FURTHER performances. It is only because of news stories like this that the schools take any notice of parents opinions nowdays.
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NewOne
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Absolutely insane. Accidents happen and always will. Closing down all these beneficial activities is another sad reflection on the ambulance chasing, neurotic culture that we are becoming. Children need these resources far more than they need 'protecting' from the odd accident.
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LavishLady
Thursday, February 2, 2012
@clive23 It isn't the school overreacting, but the parents of the child who had the accident. @JOHN BURLS, the school have probably had to make the decision BECAUSE they have been sued (or have been threatened with it). This is a fantastic school who have always put 110% into their productions and the kids learn so much by them. It's a sad that today's 'compo' culture has led to this.
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C Dersley
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Didn't realise it was 1 April today!
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Chris B
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
We as a society are responsible for our compensation culture and therefore decisions like these - how about surrounding the stage with P.E mats, ensuring that they do not overlap and present a trip hazard of course. How long before this decision spreads to other schools!
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LOST in LIFE
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
why not put a net around the stage then rubberise the play ground then wrap up all the children foam plastic but i bet its just to save money i fell into the pond in christchurch part 75 years ago when are going to concrete it over i brag that i had a fracture and a greenstick
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Reggie
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
More Health and Safety rubbish, what are parents meant to do wrap there kids up in cotton wool...literally!! Sooner this country is out of the E.U. the better then we Brits can all begin living our lives again instead of meerly existing and being controlled.
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a friend
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
It can't have been nice for the child involved but why does no one think that accidents are just part of life and that we are depriving our children and grandchildren of fun that they need and deserve. Look at the poor children's faces in the photo and and also what a hard job it makes for the teachers. Too much p.c.
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spain25
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Why on earth is this non story here? The headteacher has stopped dance and drama for a couple of weeks. There are local people losing jobs, having hours reduced and the Evening Star is concentrating on this non event.
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spike martin
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Why such a dramatic headline and story, when the headteacher says it should only be for 2-3 weeks while they resolve some Health & Safety issues?
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Dave Love
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Yet another overreaction to an accident which will always happen. What is wrong with people these days - kids are meant to hurt themselves, it's part of growing up!!!! I really feel for schools nowadays. They can't win as parents insist on bubble wrapping their children.
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Ian Henderson
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Accidents will always happen, what a silly decision. Afraid of being sued I suppose, must be a way round it.
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JOHN BURLS
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
why o why do these schools make such a song and dance about it
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clive23
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Ridiculous decision. My sister in law teaches in London. She fell off a stage broke her knee, hip and ankle. She walks with a stick. She did not claim compensation nor did she blame anyone - it was an accident. She went back to teaching cos she loves it and she is very good at it.
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sue douglas
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Perhaps it would be best if the stage were covered in foam rubber (fireproof, non-toxic and fully H&S approved, of course) and that it be surrounded with some stout and unclimbable railings. Of course, if it's a raised stage, then it still leaves the problem of how to get the children on to it without them falling down the steps.
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T Doff
Wednesday, February 1, 2012