Thurrock: Parents' Petition Against Sports Day Ban

25 June 2013, 00:00

A petition has been set up by parents at school in Thurrock who want to be allowed to go to their childrens' sports day.

It is after they received a letter from the headteacher of Kenningtons Primary Acadmey in Aveley, asking them to stay away so pupils did not feel under pressure. 

Heart spoke to parents outside the school who said they were angry at the decision. 

Sharon said: "I think it's disgusting. I've been at the school 12 or 15 years and I've always been to the sports day, so why stop it now?" 

Another mum, Kelly says parental support can help kids feel more confident: "I've got a very sporty child and I've got a child who hates sports day. 

"The one who doesn't like sports day is made to do it and actually he finds it more of a comfort that his mum or dad is there because then at least he's got someone to look to for a bit moral support. 

"That view gets dismissed though. It's either her way (the headteacher, Miss Jo Sawtell) or the highway and I don't think it's fair. 

"She's made a decision for the masses based on a few. Unfortunately life is stressful and they need to learn these coping strategies." 

Parents are now organising a meeting where the issue will be discussed, while they have told Heart the headteacher is having one-to-one meetings with a number of parents. 

Heart contacted Kenningtons Primary Academy for a response but they declined to comment.