National Union of Teachers: This is a strange move

However, Jane Crich, of the NUT, said: "Any professional teacher should be trusted to teach a particular topic in a particular style according to the class they have.

"I don't know if there was a discussion before the decision was made, but it shows a lack of respect to the teachers at the school.

"Teachers are never backwards in discussing new educational techniques, but banning one from the classroom is strange."

Liam Conway, who is also a member of the union, said: "This is a policy which may have some good reasoning behind it. But the problem with this is I suspect it's a policy that hasn't been put to proper consultation."

Ex-head teacher: Putting your hand up shows enthusiasm

The move also drew condemnation from former head teachers in the region.

Michael McKeever, who was head of the Trinity School in Aspley, Nottingham, described the decision as a "step backwards".

He said: "It is totally unnecessary because a good teacher wouldn't go back to the same person, you make sure everyone in the classroom is engaged.

"This is an issue of teacher professionalism, not a rule change. It's a bit gimmicky in my opinion. Putting your hand up is showing enthusiasm, if you're suppressing that then it's not good.