Colchester school’s no physical touching rule is scrapped

A school which brought in a “no physical contact” rule for its pupils has reviewed and scrapped the policy.

Parents had claimed some children at Philip Morant School and College in Colchester were given detentions for hugging or high-fiving their friends.

The school backtracked following criticism, and on Monday, it published a five-page slideshow document outlining what level of physical contact was appropriate, which included handshakes and “fist bumps”.

Head teacher Stephanie Neill said staff had worked “closely” with students on the policy.

Students were told about the no physical contact policy in assemblies at the start of term.

Neill explained the approach was introduced after “an increase in overly physical behaviour last term that disrupted learning and raised safety concerns”.

An online petition was subsequently set up protesting against the rule, which attracted more than 350 signatures.