I am a teacher and father of two athletically gifted daughters; both are nationally ranked in triathlon -- a sport noted for its demands upon stamina and strength -- but nothing in sport can come close to the physical demands placed upon youngsters by modern schools.

My 11-year-old, and slightly built Year Seven student, staggers out of the front door carrying a satchel-full of books, a bag of P.E. equipment and a large tin containing items required for a cooking lesson.

She tottered towards my car (at least she doesn't travel by public transport, which would be impossible), turned her ankle on the curb and fell flat on her face, injuring her ankle and her elbow.

Accidents apart, she is expected to take all of this equipment, not only to and from school, but carry it throughout the school day when changing lessons.

I estimate that she can be asked to carry up to 10 kilos, almost half her own body weight!.

What damage may be done to immature bones, and in particular the spine, which is being added to the large number of adults suffering joint and back pain later in life?

What adult could sustain that daily pack horse treatment that schools enforce upon our children?

Are we training them for the Armed Forces?

Why doesn't OFSTED's concern for `quality' take this important health and safety issue on board - quality of education. What about the quality of daily life?

Name and

Address supplied

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