Safety fears halt school sports

School rugby is among the sports affected in Swansea

Some after-school sports matches in Swansea have been cancelled amid fears over the safety of parents' cars.

Schools in the city were referred to UK government advice to check volunteer drivers and their vehicles, prompting some teachers to suspend matches.

They said they needed "clarification" before inter-school football, rugby and netball could resume.

An education authority spokeswoman said it planned to clarify guidelines so matches could begin again shortly.

The council has not banned any sporting activities between schools Swansea Council

The council sent schools a letter referring them to official guidelines about ensuring pupil safety if parents or teachers were giving them a lift.

Teachers asked officials for a clear set of guidelines after the council was approached with safety concerns by one school governor.

The spokeswoman said: "Following concerns raised with the council over transportation to these activities, the council sent a note to head teachers referring them to central government guidelines issued by the Department of Education and Skills (DfES) on health and safety of pupils on educational visits.

"Everyone recognises the vital role played by parents and volunteers in transporting pupils to sports fixtures.

"The DfES guidelines offers advice to schools to safeguard pupils and volunteer parents on issues such as vehicle insurance and passenger safety."

She added: "Following a meeting earlier this week with head teachers we will be issuing supplementary guidance shortly.

"In the meantime, some head teachers have taken a decision to temporarily stop parents transporting pupils to sporting fixtures.

"We hope this supplementary guidance will allow these activities to resume shortly.

"The council has not banned any sporting activities between schools."