Footballs banned from playground

A school has banned children from playing with full-size footballs in the playground because of fears for children's safety.

The head teacher of Abbeyfield School in Chippenham, Trish Shubrook, said a risk assessment had been carried out which ruled out the use of the balls.

Only smaller balls can now be used in the playground, but proper balls will still be used during sport lessons.

Mrs Shubrook said: "It makes a more pleasant environment for the children."

She added that the fear of being sued by parents of children injured in the playground had not prompted the move.

"We haven't banned all ball games. We have restricted their size and where students can play with them.

"We were concerned that there were children who didn't want to get involved in playing ball games who were in close proximity."