A school in Plymouth has come under fire from baffled parents who are stunned by the school's decision to ban children performing cartwheels and handstands during breaktimes.

The primary school in Plympton has enforced a rule which insist children refrain from performing 'gymnastic movements' on the grounds that the moves are beyind their capabilities.

Explaining her decision to implement the rule, the principal of Old Priory Primary Academy, Emma Hermon-Wright said: "Following a number of minor incidents we took action to ban these gymnastic activities during play and lunch."

Acknowledging that the children are permitted to perform these moves while taking part in PE lessons, Mrs. Hermon-Wright goes on to highlight the difference, saying: "Through PE lessons in primary schools, pupils are carefully taught to develop movements of their bodies in safe, controlled and supported ways. At playtime our children were not performing these in such a way and pupils were attempting gymnastic movements beyond their capability."
 


Commenting on the school's decision, parents have questioned the implications of the rule saying: "Are we to wrap them up in cotton wool every morning before sending them in to school? What happened to kids being kids? Climbing, running, jumping and indeed cartwheels are all part of childhood."

Listing the benefits associated with this kind of play, the parent went on to say: "Not to mention the fact that you are moving your body, gaining confidence, building self-esteem, developing resilience, working on balance, strengthening and stretching muscles, developing co-ordination, taking risks and delighting in shared play experiences."

Insisting that her pupil's safety is her main priority, the principal showed no sign she intended to backtrack on her decision, saying: "Ultimately safety and wellbeing of the pupils whilst at Old Priory is our responsibility and I feel very strongly that this is the correct decision to make at this time."

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