Hansard

PE1583, from Lisa Willis, is on primary school playground supervision. I think that there was a lot of sympathy for the issue that the petitioner raised, although we were all aware of the burden that the proposed approach would place on local authorities, and what it would mean for janitorial and teaching staff. It is right that the issue has been flagged up, and I think that local authorities are aware that they must take account of the issue, but I do not think that we can insist on the outcome that the petitioner is looking for, although I hope that local authorities acknowledge the importance of the issue and people’s concerns about children’s safety in the playground prior to school starting, which is as important as safety during the rest of the school day. The responses that we got from local authorities suggested that they are aware of the issue, but I think that what is asked for is beyond their capacity to deliver at the moment. The unions are not keen on the proposed approach, although they are certainly aware of the problem. What it would mean for terms and conditions, and the renegotiation that would be needed, make the issue far too complex to resolve easily. I think that we will have to draw a line under the petition.