§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many complaints have been received in the last five years by the Department of Education from parents concerned at the excessive weights children carry in school bags; and if he will make a statement; [165782]
292W(2) what plans he has to introduce, as standard practice, personal lockers for children in schools in the Province in order to limit the amount of books carried in school bags; [165783]
(3) what guidelines he has issued on limits to the amount of weight a child should carry to and from school; and if he will make a statement; [165786]
(4) what assessment has been made of the medical risks associated with children carrying excessive weights in school bags. [165787]
§ Mr. GardinerOne parent has complained to the Department of Education about the weight of schoolbags. The Department has not issued guidelines or carried out a medical assessment on this matter. There are no plans to introduce, as standard practice, the provision of personal lockers for school children. The Department's School Building Handbook provides for either cloakroom space or moveable lockers in schools. It is, however, a matter for school authorities to decide what provision should be made at a particular school. Also, parents have a responsibility to protect the health and welfare of their children by ensuring that only essential materials are carried in schoolbags. Similarly, pupils are also responsible for making decisions as to the books and learning materials they need to carry to and from school each day.