Hatton Hill Primary School in Litherland, Merseyside, has defended its decision to ban parents from attending the school's main sports day, despite claims from parents and carers that they feel 'excluded' from an important milestone in their children's lives. The school's headteacher, Anna James, explained that the current format, which keeps parents away, is overwhelmingly supported by the pupils themselves.
Parents' concerns and petition
A parent, speaking on behalf of a group of families, contacted the ECHO to express frustration over the policy, which has been in place for several years. They stated that many parents feel they are missing out on 'precious memories that can never be replaced.' The group has collected more than 325 signatures on a petition calling for the school to review its sports day policy and allow parents to attend future events.
According to the parent spokesperson, families have held meetings to discuss their concerns, but feel that the headteacher has not listened to them despite repeated attempts to raise the issue. Some families are now asking the school's governing board to review both the policy and the way concerns have been handled.
School's response and pupil satisfaction
In response, headteacher Anna James emphasised that the current sports day setup is a 'carousel' arrangement that ensures all children are active and engaged throughout the event. Children compete within their teams for an overall trophy. She noted that when pupils were recently surveyed, 96% of Year Two to Year Six students said they wished to keep the current format.
Ms James acknowledged that a small number of parents had raised issues informally, but stated that those individuals had been invited to follow the official complaints procedure. She added that no formal complaints had been received. She also clarified that the Reception class sports day follows a more traditional style to which parents are invited.
