A MOTHER is furious with a primary school after her child was banned from drinking anything other than water on school grounds – including flavoured variants.

Kerri Thistlethwaite says she is in a “constant battle” with Wheatley Lane School, Fence, Pendle, as her four-year-old daughter, Scarlet, will not drink plain water.

The school are alleged to have taken flavoured waters off Scarlet and will not even allow Ms Thistlethwaite to put fresh fruit into standard water to improve the flavour as some children suffer allergies to certain fruits.

She said: “My four-year-old daughter, Scarlet, will not drink plain water. She has been out in the heat of summer and desperate for a drink. When I have offered her my water, she refuses.

“She comes home from school with stomach-ache and drinks and drinks and drinks because she is so dehydrated.

“So, I sent her to school with flavoured water and her support teacher sniffed it and took it away from her for two days.

“I emailed the headteacher, Mrs Hallows, and she was no help whatsoever, as always. I sent her with flavoured water again and they poured it away and gave her plain water and she didn't touch it. I am so frustrated, baffled, and worried about Scarlet’s health.”

Tracy Hallows, headteacher at Wheatley Lane School, said: “In line with Change for Life and Healthy Schools Policy, we only permit children to bring water to drink in the classroom.

“The drink mum wants to send in contains numerous additives. My staff have only poured drink away when it has been left overnight, which we do with all our young children to ensure their water is fresh.

“We have water cooler and filter machines in school and children are asked to bring a bottle of plain water from home which they can refill during the day.

“In school, Scarlet is happy to drink plain water. If a child has a medical need where they need drinks other than water a care plan is put in place in consultation with parents.

“Mum has not made an official complaint to school using our Complaint's Policy which is available on our website.” 

Ms Thistlethwaite met with Mrs Hallows on Thursday afternoon (May 26) to discuss the issue, but they could not come to a resolution and neither side has changed their stance as a result.

After the meeting, she said: "Mrs Hallows told me this afternoon that it is absolutely water only, unless Scarlet has a medical condition.

"I asked if I could put fresh fruit in the water and she said no as it will cause bacteria to grow. 

"She also said that flavoured water can cause cancer. Yet, they're allowed juice at lunch?

"I wouldn't mind but I've really tried to get Scarlet to drink water and we only use sugar free drinks at home and always eat healthy foods."

Wheatley Lane School sent the Lancashire Telegraph a copy of their “water statement”, which is accessible to all parents of children who attend the school.

It reads: “Sugary drinks are one of the most significant causes of poor oral health and contribute greatly to childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

“Drinks with artificial sweeteners have been linked to health problems. Free access to drinks other than water could have a detrimental effect on pupils with allergies.

“Consuming drinks with additives is associated with problem behaviours. Studies have found poor diet and nutrition are associated with lower academic achievement."