A LISKEARD school says the number of mishaps has gone down and fun, social play is on the up after the introduction of new playtime arrangements that have hit the national headlines.

On Friday, Liskeard Hillfort Primary School faced a petition from parents who were concerned about what they saw as a ban on running in the playground at lunchtimes.

The issue has been widely reported in the national press.

But the school today insisted there is no ban, saying the new rules simply prevent children running across part of the main playground where traditional games such as hopscotch are played.

The action was taken to reduce ‘negative behaviour’ and accidents with children bumping into each other, said the head, Dr Tim Cook.

New activities introduced at lunchtimes include sandpits, dancing and board games, and pupils can also play with giant Jenga or toy cars.

The parent behind the petition, Leah Browning, said she was glad the school had amended the wording of the new rules given to parents and children.

She said: ‘This is a welcome backpedal - I am pleased my son will now be able to run during imaginative play and be a superhero in the playground again.’

For the full story, including an interview with Hillfort’s headteacher, see this week’s Cornish Times, out on Friday.