Parents 'upset' they are banned from sports day

A primary school has defended its decision to ban parents from its annual sports day after a backlash.

Hatton Hill Primary School in Litherland, Sefton, said parents could still attend Reception class sports days but from Year One upwards the school had implemented a "carousel set-up" so children would continue competing through the whole event.

However, an online petition started by parents has collected more than 330 signatures.

Started by Venecia McCluskie, the petition states: "We feel like we are missing out on such special milestones in our children's childhoods and it deeply upsets us and our children."

A comment on the petition added: "We've never been able to watch our children take part in their sports day at Hatton Hill.

"It upsets us and the kids. It's huge for children to have their supporters there for them, I remember this as a child."

Another said: "Most other schools allow it, it's unfair on the children and the parents to not allow them to come and watch."

Head teacher Anna James said the "carousel" format "ensures that all children are active and engaged throughout the whole event".

"Children are able to complete within their teams to try and win an overall trophy at the end of the games," she said.

The school said it had asked Year Two to Year Six pupils for their views on sports day and 96% said they wished to keep the current format.

"I am aware of a small number of parents who have raised issues with this informally," James said.

"Those individuals have been invited to follow our official complaints procedure, however we have not yet received a single formally submitted complaint."

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