We are asking Philip Morant School to reconsider its blanket no-contact rule and replace it with clear, proportionate boundaries that distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate physical contact.

We fully support the school taking firm action against fighting, bullying, unwanted touching and unsafe or inappropriate behaviour. Our concern is that the current rule prohibits all physical contact between pupils, including normal interactions between friends such as hugging, linking arms, high fives or comforting somebody who is upset. Pupils are receiving detentions and isolation for breaching this rule.

There are two main reasons we are concerned.

Firstly, children need to learn about consent and personal boundaries. They need to understand that unwanted or inappropriate contact is unacceptable, while also learning to recognise normal, appropriate and consensual contact. A blanket ban risks sending the message that all physical contact is inappropriate and punishable, rather than teaching children the difference.

Secondly, appropriate physical contact and human connection can play a positive role in mental and emotional wellbeing. Research has found benefits of touch for physical and mental wellbeing, including stress, anxiety and depression. Appropriate, wanted touch can also be an important way that people express friendship, comfort, reassurance and support.

At a time when children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing are so important, we are concerned about a rule that removes normal, consensual physical interaction from their school day rather than teaching them how to navigate it appropriately.

The school’s own Behaviour for Learning Policy, Appendix A – Home/School Agreement, states that one of the school’s undertakings is:

“To ensure the social, emotional and well-being needs of our students are fully supported.”

The same agreement asks parents:

“To engage with the school to support my child’s social, emotional and well-being needs, if appropriate.”

That is exactly what we, as parents, are trying to do.

We are asking Philip Morant School to remove the blanket No-Contact rule and to work with parents to support our children’s social, emotional and wellbeing needs.

We are not asking for no boundaries. We are asking for inappropriate contact and behaviour to continue to be addressed appropriately in accordance with the school’s existing behaviour policy, while normal, appropriate and consensual contact is allowed.

Rather than teaching children that all physical contact is wrong, we believe appropriate behaviour should be recognised and encouraged. Children should be given the opportunity to see and experience healthy friendships, kindness, empathy, respect for boundaries and positive social interaction.

We want our children to learn what appropriate behaviour looks like, not simply be taught that all physical contact is inappropriate.

By signing this petition, we are asking Philip Morant School to listen to the concerns being raised by parents and reconsider the blanket No-Contact rule. We want to work with the school to find a more balanced approach that keeps our children safe, supports their wellbeing and teaches them the difference between appropriate and inappropriate contact, rather than treating all physical contact in the same way.