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Primary pupils are allegedly being told to fill out a “reflection” sheet if they need a wee in classtime.

A new headteacher has also reportedly introduced “fantastic walking”, where children stride around school in a “calm and purposeful” manner with their hands behind their backs.

Dozens of parents have signed a letter to governors express-ing concern at changes they say affect children’s “mental wellbeing”.

They say new head Rachael Bentham’s alleged toilet request form at Norden Community Primary School, in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, is “bizarre”.

(Image: Google)

The families said: “It has been reported to parents that children are being denied toilet breaks in lessons, or if they appear really desperate and have gone anyway, they have to fill in a reflection sheet.

“Why stigmatise children with having to fill in a reflection sheet about a bodily function some children are only just learning to control?”

They added that the alleged “fantastic walking” policy “belongs in Victorian times or in a military academy”.

They said: “Asking children to walk with their hands behind their backs represents a significant risk to their health and safety.

“Children are not fully co-ordinated and use their hands and arms to balance.”

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One parent said changes “left kids saying that all the fun has gone out of school”.

Governors said Ms Bentham was “committed to working with the parents to provide the best quality of education”.

They added: “The letter publicly makes a number of allegations about the integrity and conduct of our headteacher, allegations that could potentially result in further action being taken against individual parents/carers.”

A governors’ letter reads: “The head has established parent forum meetings. The first will address some of the concerns about changes.

“We will respond to all concerns or complaints if they are received in an appropriate manner.”

A Rochdale Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the issues that parents have raised and we are dealing with them via appropriate procedures.”