Due to some confusion over school procedures around earrings, I am writing to clarify the position for Galston Primary School.

Staff are not allowed to help children put piercings in or out before and after PE.

All jewellery, including piercings, are not permitted during PE lessons.

If a child is unable to remove piercings, they will go with the class to the gym but will sit at the side watching the lesson doing a quiet activity e.g. read a book, keeping team scores.

While some parents/carers have agreed to provide tape to cover the earrings, we have a fairly small gym hall that can be very busy and it can be easy for children to bump into each other, even when care is being taken, risking injury to themselves or others who may be caught by the piercing.  I have taken this position to try to ensure the safety of all children during PE lessons and to provide clarity and consistency across the school.

I understand that there are a variety of reasons why children may be unable to remove their earrings, including the time required to heal following the initial piercing. Please work with your child to practice at home, when it is safe for piercings to be removed. I would suggest the best time for new piercings would be at the very end of the summer term to allow time to heal before the start of the new session.

I would also recommend that younger children do not wear piercings to school on PE days.

I am happy to discuss this with parents/carers who require more information who can contact the school office.

Thank you for your support in this matter.

Kind regards

Mrs S Murphy

Head Teacher