Drinks ban leaves pupil dehydrated and with chapped lips
A mother claims her son has been coming home from school dehydrated with chapped lips after a ban on bringing drinks from home was introduced.
Alfie Wayt, aged eight, attends Chadsmoor CE (VC) Junior School, where children are no longer allowed to take their own water or juice into school and instead can refreshments.
His mother Sara-Jane Wayt, from Elizabeth Road in Cannock, has branded the move 'ridiculous' complaining her son comes home each day thirsty.
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The 39 year old mother-of-three said: "Alfie has ADHD and opposition defiance disorder and his medication makes him thirsty. The school have stopped him having flavoured water with his lunch and have told me to buy squash or milk from the school. The squash is disgusting because it is so diluted and the milk is warm and a very small amount. It is ridiculous and is making his condition worse."
The junior school on Burns Street, stopped parents sending drinks into the school at the start of term and now parents must pay 20p per day. In addition to the drinks ban, the school has imposed restrictions on what parents can include in packed lunches, which led to a protest by angry parents who have resorted to taking children out at lunch.
Miss Wayt added: "He is so thirsty he doesn't want to take his tablets and that is affecting his behaviour and the school are quick enough to complain about that. His lips have chapped so much he is crying with the pain. All the school is bothered about is making money and as a result they are leaving our children thirsty and hungry.
"The stress over what he can and cannot have in his packed lunch is making him worried and anxious at home.
She added: "It is their job to educate my son, his diet is my responsibility. I will not have my child spend six hours a day thirsty."
Karen Burns, executive headteacher at Chadsmoor CE (VC) Junior School, said: "I was very surprised to hear the suggestion that the pupil was dehydrated, as there is a water fountain in each classroom and all the children are encouraged to bring water bottles and drink at their desk during lessons.
"All the staff are aware of the pupil's condition and we give him a star every time he fills his water bottle as a way of keeping track of his consumption.
"His mother has spoken to the school and the matter has been dealt with."
