Exclusive:Sheffield school introduces ban on "untimetabled" football during break times
School introduces new rules around children playing football
A Sheffield dad has raised concerns over restrictions on football at his son’s primary school, claiming the changes have negatively affected his child’s confidence and enjoyment of school.
Simon Bouzin, aged 45, said his son Rocco, a 10-year-old pupil at Ecclesfield Primary School, has become “unhappy” and no longer wants to go to school over restrictions on playing football during breaks.
The school now only allows children to play football in timetable slots, rather than allowing them to kick a ball about freely.
Mr Bouzin said: “Rocco went from happy to unhappy and I wanted to find out why. I assumed he was exaggerating when he first brought it up.
“He told me there was an argument and teachers stopped them playing as a result. He says he hasn’t kicked a ball at school since February.”
Simon said football had been an important outlet for his son during the school day.
“Not all little boys are academic,” he said.
“The only reason he liked going to school was to play football.
“My kid may not be the smartest in the classroom, but he is best on the pitch. It gave him confidence and an outlet while he was at school.”
Simon said he understands schools have to supervise activities safely, but believes children also need opportunities to manage disagreements themselves.
“I understand the importance of PE lessons in school, but untimetabled football with friends is different,” he said.
“It teaches them social skills, how to mediate arguments, how to solve disagreements and organise between themselves.
“If they are not allowed to play when not supervised, how will they ever learn that?
“I also wonder how it is preparing them to move up to secondary schools where unsupervised football is allowed.”
He added: “There is a big push for healthy eating and walking to school, so why are kids not being encouraged to run around and play football off timetable?”
Simon also claimed the issue had affected his son’s attitude towards attending school.
“He is not happy at school anymore,” he said.
“He has been there since he was four and always enjoyed it, never took time off. But recently he always says he is poorly and doesn’t want to go.”
He said he has considered taking his son out of school for sport once a week if opportunities during the school day do not improve.
In response, the school stressed that football had “not been banned” and said it remained committed to promoting physical activity and outdoor play.
In a statement, the school’s executive headteacher, Louise Chadwick said: “Football has not been banned at the school.
“Instead, access to football during break and lunchtime periods is managed through a timetabled approach which allows different year groups regular opportunities to play in a safe and supervised environment.
“This arrangement helps ensure all children are able to enjoy the playground and outdoor spaces fairly, whilst also supporting appropriate staffing, safeguarding and health and safety considerations.
“Each class from Y3-Y6 has an opportunity for a class game twice a week at playtimes as well as further opportunities at lunchtime.”
The school also highlighted additional coaching provided by a parent volunteer for Year 6 pupils.
The statement added: “Like many primary schools, we must balance the differing needs of all pupils using shared outdoor areas.
“While many children enjoy football and other ball games, some pupils prefer quieter play opportunities, and the school has a responsibility to create an inclusive environment where all children feel safe and comfortable during social times.
“Following the concern raised by the parent, we took the opportunity to consult with other local primary schools who shared that their provision is similar or the same as ours in regard to football.”
The school also pointed to a range of other sporting opportunities available to pupils, including PE lessons, after-school clubs, sports competitions, swimming, cycling initiatives and playground games.
It added that it had recently received recognition through the School Games Mark Gold award for its commitment to physical activity.
Mrs Chadwick said: “We appreciate that parents may hold differing views on how playground activities should be managed, and we always welcome constructive dialogue with families, but we must consider the needs of all our pupils, balanced with the safe operations of the school.
“The school will continue to review its provision to ensure we best support the wellbeing, enjoyment and safety of all pupils.”