A mum claims her young son was left "dehydrated" on one of the hottest days of the year after his school told him he was only allowed one bottle of squash.
Bryony Cappleman, 34, sent seven-year-old Jacob off to class on Monday, July 18, with three 500ml bottles of Robinson's squash because she says he is not keen on water. But after school, he said he had been told by teaching staff he could only consume one juice bottle that day.
As temperatures reached record levels, Bryony said her son, who "won't drink water" was left dehydrated. After messaging Wheatcroft Community Primary School to complain and find out what had happened, it is understood staff reiterated the school's health rules.
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Squash as only allowed at certain times of the day, while water can be drunk at all times. Bryony, a mum-of-two, said: "I just can't get my head round it to be honest. They've compromised on uniform policy because of the weather, so why can't they compromise on this?"
When approached for comment, the school said Jacob had been seen filling up his water bottle and "was seen drinking from that bottle throughout the rest of the day by staff in the classroom". But Bryony claims he "won't drink water".
The annoyed mum said her son has not been keen on drinking water all his life, so as a compromise, she makes him a weak squash every day to take to his primary school in North Yorkshire. This usually does not conflict with school rules, but due to the extreme weather, Bryony decided one wouldn't be enough for Jacob - and packed him three instead.
Bryony, who said Jacob did not drink enough that day, complained to the school but was unsatisfied with their response. She added: "Jacob won't drink water, and to get round it, I make him a very weak, sugar free squash to take with him to school.
"And, it was roasting yesterday, so of course he needed more than just the one bottle. But to drink more than one goes against the school's 'health' policy and he was literally banned from drinking any more.
"How can a school claim to be upholding healthy standards when my son was dehydrated as a result of their rules, it's a disgrace. I'm a nurse and the amount of global admissions hospitals get from dehydrated children and elderly people during this kind of weather is frightening.
"I would understand if it was Red Bull or Monster Energy, but it's not, it's a family drink. I've kept him home from school today because I'd rather have him somewhere where I know he's drinking during this hot weather, it's really frustrating."
A spokesperson for Wheatcroft Community Primary School said: "The pupil in question brought three bottles of juice into school. During the morning he drank one 500ml bottle whilst in class.
"He requested a second bottle and a member of staff suggested he refilled his bottle with water and save his second bottle for packed lunch. The pupil filled up his water bottle with water and was seen drinking from that bottle throughout the rest of the day by staff in the classroom.
"All our children have access to cold water to drink or fill up their water bottles with throughout the day. All pupils are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and as a healthy school we encourage children to drink water in class, at playtimes and PE lessons to stay hydrated."
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