Posted By Heather Aston No, it's not "elf and safety" going OTT, it's the Head Teacher who doesn't understand what assessment of risk is. "head teacher at St Anne's, said: "We have banned all pupils from bringing pencil cases and their contents into school to prevent any other potentially harmful instruments being brought into the classroom." " Uhhhhh is that a non sequitur or what? Don't they have pockets or school bags that they could use to bring said harmful instruments in? If they have no "pencil case contents" how will they write - or will the school have to count all the pencils in and out each day.... Reminds me of the nice fluffy green pencil case I had - with a pink elephant on it. (No really! I've probably still got it somewhere...) Heather

Posted By Mike Craven I've said before that we really should be careful before we believe all that the press and media tell us, and that we should be careful not to take at face value, quotes that may have been reported out of context or highlighted selectively. However, having read about this in my local paper last night, I have to say that I'm with Heather on this one. This would appear to be a clear case of someone failing to understand risk assessment and appropriate control measures. (If they can't take in pencil cases anymore, I suppose the "problem" kids will have to keep their guns and machetes in their coat pockets, lunch-boxes and sports-bags!!!) John questions whether or not there may be a history of violence, etc that would justify or explain the action. I don't know the school that well but was a local councillor in a neighbouring ward, and a school governor at a neighbouring school for 12 years. From what I know and remember, St Annes Primary is a popular, highly-respected school, which has an excellent academic record and very good OFSTED inspection reports; it has no known problems with behaviour/bullying/etc. The town where it is situated (Denton, Manchester) is, not merely a ficticious place that provides the setting for Inspector Frost, but is a very nice suburb of Manchester, which produces some first class citizens who add great value to the community at large!!! Oh, and me, of course Mike

Posted By Heather Aston That's because I'm a perfectly reasonable average kind of Heather. With a fluffy pencil case too. I seem to remember carrying a compass in mine, although it was supposed to have a rubber stuck on the end so it didn't stick into me.... Heather

Posted By Heather Aston No Laurie, there was definitely only one. :) It's Friday... Heather

Posted By J Knight Of course, putting the kids in straightjackets and sedating them will effectively reduce the risk of 'boisterous' behaviour; they're cheaper to feed while drugged as well, John

Posted By Aidan Toner As a professional body should we not be concerning ourselves with the following -Is there a competent person engaged to advise this particular manager (Head Teacher) on safety matters?If there is, why has that person not been sought out by the press to establish what exactly was offered by way of advice? -Sadly the press are not geared to asking from managers as to what source of advice they may or may not have used. An assumption will be made that behind this and similar OTT directives there is the guiding hand of a zealous safety professional. -I suggest that this particular safety professional (if he or she is so employed) is now in the sad and sorry position whereby they are obliged to give their professional opinion (and hopefully ammended corporate policy) TO THE PUBLIC through the organisation's official PR channels. In the long term this safety professional's life will be made easier. Head teachers will consult and heed future advice as given by the same safety professional.---I pose the question, When silly OTT stories appear in the public domain does the relevant safety advisor always present themselves to challenge and/or ammend the facts.??? If we dont do this individually we make a rod to beat our collective professional backs with.

Posted By Andy Petrie Surely on of the points of school is to be able to stick compass points into your fellow classmates. Don't deny it either, you know you did.

Posted By J Knight Now then children, settle down or it's the ritalin and white waistcoat for both of you; now where did I put my chalk, John

Posted By Heather Aston Yes. I will comment (evening Merv) It's 7.30 Friday evening and I'm sat here. Do intend to open some wine later though and have a few BEERS at Twickenham tomorrow. Yes go on Merv you may insult our rugby team if you must! Anyway shouldn't it be compii? Heather (not had a drop yet, but if you're buying Merv...)

Posted By Heather Aston Too right David and we're going to win tomorrow - I shall be there cheering them on. BTW Merv, I'm still waiting here at the bar for you to buy me a drink.... Heather