Monday, October 8th, 2007...6:22 pm
Be Careful You Don’t Break The Law
One of the best things about being a Teacher is acknowledging the effect of positive reinforcement. There are an endless number of ways that teachers can do this; stickers, verbal praise, positive referrals are to name a few. And there is (was) of course the good old occasional sweetie. Please do not misinterpret what I am saying here. I don’t and never have gone into work and filled my Pupil’s mouths with Sherbet Lemons, but in the past I have brought in a very occasional bag of Jelly Babies. These were to give out as treats, say at the end of term or after project presentations. However this will be no more.
As of 31/08/2007, it is now illegal for a Teacher to give a Pupil a sweetie.
I can’t find any thing online to link to here so please if you are aware of where I can find any more information regarding this new law, please could you pass me the details.
This law has other implications. During a recent Staff/S6 coffee morning. The staff were all allowed to tuck into some tasty cakes. By law, the pupils could only watch, we would be breaking the law if it had been otherwise. During our S6 pantomime this year, we will not be throwing sweeties out into the audience (and some how dried apricots just don’t have the same appeal). We have a fantastically healthy canteen at school with the most brilliant dinner ladies. Although there are no fizzy drinks or sweeties on sale, sports drinks (that are a colour reminiscent of Anti-freezee) and rich chocolate cookies can still be purchased! Two of the worst for encouraging tooth decay (according to my dentist).
I know this was a decision taken by the Scottish Executive. Does anyone out there have any idea as to why this rule has been made and what the justification is? Does it apply to Further Education? What is classed as a sweetie?
14 Comments
October 8th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Hi Tess
I totally agree we had a dental hygienist in today talking about ‘hidden sugar’ in food and drink. In fact she brought in a bottle of irn bru still citrus drink from a Secondary school to illustrate her point. Fizzy drinks are no longer the ‘bad guys’ the drink and food manufacturers are one step ahead……..
Its a total minefield out there for both parents and children (oh and obviously those in charge of deciding what our children eat and drink in schools) and that’s without even getting started on the ‘healthy food’ that probably contains more fat than a plate of chips. I guess we could debate this issue for ever…….
October 8th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
What also irritates me Lynne is the fact public money has been used to make these decisions.
Someone has been paid to make that Law! Have they ever taught? Have they been in a school canteen or watched a school panto?
I would really like to know.
I am considering starting a wiki.
October 8th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Tess:
Can’t find anything on the Scottish Executive/Government/wee pretendy Parliament sites about this. There is stuff about no chocs etc in vending machines but nothing about teachers rewarding the kids. I might just save a fortune in Heroes/Celebrations if true! Any idea yet of the where what who etc?
October 8th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
Hi Dave.
Thanks for your comment.
No ideas as yet. I am only aware of what I have heard and read at school.
We don’t want to get into any hassles so we have just gone all out.
Never give a pupil anything that could be deemed a sweet.
Does that include sugar free things like Sula? I don’t know. I am hoping that someone will come up with a link.
Also, what do you do if pupils come in with sweets?
I am in a position to say that “no food” should be consumed in a lab (any treats I have given out in the past have been after the pupils have washed their hands and are passing out of the door).
But what about other subjects?
This Law has been enforced (as far as I am aware). I think we, as Teachers, need way more clarification and a justification for our pupils!!!
October 8th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
I think this piece of legislation is a tough one. On the one had Scotland, as a nation, is becoming increasingly unhealthy (1/3 of children aged 12 are considered ‘over weight’). However, I don’t think teachers giving out the occasional sweet item in class is really tackling the problem head on. I think the best way to beat obesity and poor eating habits is to educate parents and stamp down on conglomerates making unhealthy food look healthy; take, for instance, Macdonalds which advertises products at major sporting events and on TV.
October 8th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Is the link you’re looking for the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition)
(Scotland) Act 2007 - it’s linked on the Scottish Government website http://www.scottishexecutive.org.uk/
October 8th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
@Ruby-
Thanks for you comment.
I have spent a few hours trying to find out more from the Exec’s site without success.
Do you have a direct link?
@Luke-
You have made some really good points.
We really do need more clear details here.
October 8th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
I crossed this bridge recently in a primary school. The tradition is that P7s lend their guitars to P5s for testing over several weeks. In the past, I would acknowledge this generosity of spirit with, say, chocolate coins - an attractive little gift with far less mass than many other options. I explained that this was now hors de question and asked for suggestions. To my amazement, the incredibly mature suggestion of House Points was put forward.
October 8th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Tess, you know you shoulda asked me to find you this stuff *wink*
As Ruby says, it’s the Schools (Health and Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007, Act here: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2007/20070015.htm
Explanatory Notes here: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/en2007/2007en15.htm
Section 3 seems to be the relevant one?
October 9th, 2007 at 6:53 am
Jennie
Thanks for that! Now to tackle my S2s and ask them what they want instead! If they ask for beer…..I’m snookered!
Damm these petty bureaucrats who were raised in dungeons at private schools from the age of 3! Is this their way of taking revenge on kids who are having an enjoyable learning experience?
October 9th, 2007 at 9:26 am
Your right Jennie.
I should have asked you. For those of you who don’t already know, Jennie is a law librarian (and one of my best friends)
Thanks for the links. There is a lot there.
@ Dave t- I couldn’t agree more!
October 9th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Deary me,
This is the first I’ve heard of this!
What have you read it in before Tess?
October 9th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Hey Fearghal,
See Jennie’s links above.
We have just had a few words in Bulletins.
Tess
October 12th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
Wow, shocked and stunned. I though I had heard something on the radio about this and thought nah! that cant be true.
Whatever next. I will certainly have to stop giving potentially energy drained and hypothermic children when we are out on the mountains hot ribena and chocolate as a boost too! although hopefuly the good samiritan clause would apply here.
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