Blind pupil asked to stop using white cane in school

[annie]

A blind schoolgirl has been asked to stop using her white cane in school due to health and safety concerns.

Seven-year-old Lily-Grace Hooper was told she could not use her cane at Hambrook Primary School in Winterbourne Down near Bristol.

Her mother Kristy Hooper said she was "devastated" when she was told of the decision last Thursday.

The school stressed the measure was a temporary one while the situation was discussed with the family.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-34844437

[maureenho]

I would have thought not using a white cane would be a health and safety concern not the other way round.

[Rosalind]

How distressing for the little girl, cannot see how it is a health and safety issue.

[annie]

It is a pity these jobsworths do not have an ouncs of common sense

[JaneJ]

Poor girl that is terrible.

If it was health and safety issue it could have been dealt with ther and then. When Liv needed crutches we had to do risk assessments etc and that was done in 20 minuets the day I took her in. No excuse for them

[Honey]

Inexcusable.
My daughter was allowed to use her walking frame in the classroom when she was at school, nobody complained or tripped up over it.