Cotton socks and boots

Bless their little cotton socks. Children should be wrapped up in cotton wool. The days of hob-nailed boots should remain in the past.

I read this week about a primary school in Lincolnshire where all physical contact has been banned. Not between teachers and children nor between teachers and teachers. I remember well when the dinner ladies used to tell us which member of staff fancied who. Presumably they now have to sign the Official Secrets Act in order to apply as 'Time-sensitive holding area practitioners.'

No, physical contact between all children has been banned at Bracebridge Heath School. Tag, kiss-chase and even holding hands or linking arms is no longer allowed. The worry is that they might bump their heads. I remember having my knees torn to ribbons by racing around the playground and my heart torn to ribbons when I wasn't the main prey in kiss-chase. I suppose I'm scarred physically and mentally because of it but just don't realise it.

How are children today supposed to understand that life is going to be about facing obstacles and getting over them. Pain comes with the territory. In Lincolnshire more than most in a few years time?