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A school has defended its decision to ban parents from attending their child’s sports day, citing ‘safety’ concerns.

A text message was sent out by Helmshore Primary School on Wednesday morning ahead of the activity day - saying they would be unable to invite family members along ‘due to issues of safeguarding’ following a risk assessment.

They said the decision had ‘not been taken lightly’ and was a ‘necessary step for the safety of our children’.

One parent, who wished not to be named, criticised the decision as ‘crazy’, saying: “Schools everywhere have always managed to invite parents to sports days.

"It’s not like parents are banned from school. We come to all sorts of events during the year - often raising money for the school.

"Maybe we’ll have to apply for visas for go to the Nativity at Christmas in the future.

“Sports days should be a happy memory for families.

"Instead, maybe we should all gather behind the metal fence on the playing field and shout support from a few hundred metres away. It's crazy.”

Headteacher Christine Myers said she hoped parents would support their decision.

In a statement, she said: “As we are quite a large school, we are concerned about the potential high numbers of parents and maybe other family members present on the school playing field.

“Getting everyone to sign in could be an onerous task but would be necessary for us to be confident of being able to identify people.

"The close proximity of the public paths which cross our school playing field also make it extremely difficult to ensure the safety of our children at an outdoor event.

"Having a children-only occasion obviously helps us to be aware of any other adult present in addition to staff.

"Escorting the children is easier when their focus is purely on their activity and staying close to staff.”

Mrs Myers added: “Some parents are not able to attend anyway because of other commitments, which is disappointing for some children seeing their friends with family present. It also leads to parents feeling upset if they can’t attend, due to personal circumstances.

"Also, parents have been annoyed in the past when we have had to make a decision to change or cancel an event because of factors out of our control, including the weather.”

What do you think of the school’s decision? Write to our letters page at freepressnews@menmedia.co.uk