A secondary school that banned students from any physical contact appears to have reversed its policy.
Parents at Hylands School in Chelmsford were told in a letter that they “do not tolerate” physical contact, including “hugging” and “holding hands”.
In a second letter sent a week later, families were told hugs were expected when children needed “emotional support” from friends.
The school has been contacted for comment.
Head teacher Maggie Callaghan said the original letter, sent on January 9 and seen by the BBC, received “positive feedback from parents and students alike”.
The correspondence, first reported by Essex Live, also told families that they “do not allow romantic relationships” locally.
In a follow-up letter sent out on Monday, also seen by the BBC, Ms Callaghan said she wanted to “clarify” some points.
“Your children are, of course, capable of having relationships with your consent. Our stance is that in school the focus should be on learning and progressing,” she said.
“When your child is hurt, upset, or in need of emotional support, we expect their friends—an important support network—to show compassion and kindness, such as a hug, an arm around their shoulders, or seeking support from a co-worker.
For us, “hands off” means making sure that all young people can feel safe at school without anyone invading their privacy or experiencing unwanted physical interaction.”
She went on to say that the school “spoke to our students” to clarify expectations and answer questions.
A parent of an 8th grade student, who asked not to be named, said his daughter was given detention after putting her arm around a crying friend.
He told the BBC: “[It’s] Ironic as she’s learning in class to be more understanding of other people and their feelings.”
A second Essex school – Southchurch High School in Southend, which is run by another academy trust – also told families in a letter that “pupils must not touch each other” except in the performing arts, sport and Sports.
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