Schools may decide safety measures for children but movement shouldn't be restricted – Akbar

The Ministry of Education does not have a blanket rule to restrict children's movement in schools but schools may decide safety measures for the children.

Minister for Education, Rosy Akbar has clarified this after some parents of a Suva based school said that they have been informed of a No Running Policy which includes no playing during recess and lunch time.

The parents are questioning this rule.

They say the response given to them was that the children have organized sports activities two days a week which is sufficient.

It was explained to the parents that this is a Ministry Policy and the teachers discourage or disallow the children playing during recess and lunch breaks as the disorganized play cannot be controlled by the teachers and injuries commonly occur.

The parents were further advised that the individual teachers are liable should the parents choose to take legal action for the injury.

When questioned, Akbar says they allow schools to make decisions based on children’s safety but they should not restrict their movement.

She says they expect their teachers to be supervising children during recess and lunch breaks to avoid any mishaps.