Mum calls for action after P1 pupil injures neck with skipping rope

The little boy, a P1 pupil at Oxgang Primary School, suffered a rope burn after the incident on Tuesday, October 20.

His mum, who lives in Kirkintilloch, told the Herald: “I didn’t notice the burn until we got home. The back of his neck was quite inflamed and sore.

“It could have been much worse though. I think skipping ropes are fine when kids are a bit older but I don’t want my five-year-old playing with a rope on his own.

“There should definitely be more supervision of the younger children.”

It was not until two days later that the school told her what happened, after the Herald contacted East Dunbartonshire Council over her concerns.

The parent added: “I’m not pointing the finger at anyone but I feel I should have been told about this when I picked my son up from school on the Tuesday.”

Director of Education and Children’s Services, Gordon Currie, said, “All schools in East Dunbartonshire actively encourage outside play to promote healthy and active lifestyles.

“Children are also permitted to play with outdoor toys and sports equipment for their enjoyment and to help them develop important physical skills. These toys include skipping ropes, balls, bats and other equipment. Pupils are advised how to use playground equipment appropriately and safely.

“There are six support staff who supervise the playground during playtime and lunchtime at Oxgang Primary School. Occasionally children do hurt themselves during the course of play and all incidents witnessed by or reported to the playground supervisors are recorded.

“Children are either given a note for parents detailing the injury and any treatment given or parents are contacted by telephone.

“In this particular instance the playground supervisors did not witness the alleged incident nor did the pupil advise them that he had hurt himself.

“When it was brought to the attention of the school, the head teacher carried out an investigation into the alleged incident and contacted the parent who claimed to be satisfied with the school’s actions.”

Last year, a Scots school banned skipping ropes from the playground on health and safety issues.

Nobleston Primary School in Dumfries said the wellbeing of all pupils was “of primary importance.”

Instead, a spokesman for Dumfries and Galloway Council said “creative and innovative solutions” had been introduced to give pupils the opportunity to engage in different zones in the playground.

These included velcro catchers and team skipping ropes led by P7 pupils, trained through the Active Schools programme.