Colchester school scraps its no-contact rule and allows pupils to 'dap' each other, but still bans 'bone squashing'

Philip Morant School and College released a five-page slideshow on Monday setting out what forms of physical contact between pupils are permitted. Handshakes, fist bumps, high fives, holding hands and hugs are all now allowed, provided both pupils agree. Such contact must take place outside classrooms and must not cause pupils to be late. Tripping and 'birthday bumps' remain prohibited.

Parents said children had faced detentions as punishment for hugging or high-fiving friends.

An online petition opposing the rule gathered more than 350 signatures.

Head teacher Stephanie Neill cited 'overly physical behaviour' that 'raised safety concerns'.