A headteacher has banned pupils at a primary school from bringing in sports or energy drinks.
Vicky Axon, head of St Nicholas CE Primary School on Dill Hall Lane in Church , sent a letter to parents informing them of the ban.
In the letter she said: “I have noticed an increasing amount of pupils bringing ‘sports’ or ‘energy’ drinks to school.
“Many of the pupils drinking these types of drinks on the way to school are having difficulties with their behaviour during the day.
“I am therefore banning these drinks in school.
“Pupils who take part in before or after school sports activities are to bring water and not a sports drink.”
Mrs Axon shared what she called ‘worrying facts’ about the drinks including levels of E numbers and an ingredient called BVO, which is also used as a flame retardant.
She said: “There are 20g of sugar in one bottle or can, the daily recommended amount for children is 12g.
“There are excessive amounts of caffeine used in these drinks which is a toxic stimulant linked to seizures, diabetes, heart problems and behavioural disorders. Research shows that plain water is best for children.”
Mr Axon also said she hoped that parents would support the move.
She said: “Your children’s health and well being is of great importance to us.”
The school has said they will confiscate any sports or energy drinks that are brought into the school.
Speaking to the Observer, Mrs Axon said: “It was just something we noticed that a lot of the children were bringing these drinks into school.
“A couple of my colleagues did a bit of research. As a school we have a duty of care and I don’t think we should allow these drinks.”
Labour Church councillor Joan Smith said: “I agree with the school’s decision to ban these energy drinks.
“I can understand the school’s point of view on this, these drinks often have a very high sugar content which can make children quite hyper.
“The high sugar content of these drinks could also have an impact on the children’s teeth.
“These drinks are also quite expensive.”
