CHILDREN could be banned from taking sweets to school to celebrate their birthday, under new plans by a North Yorkshire primary school.

Rossett Acre Primary School, in Harrogate, is considering axing its policy of allowing pupils to bring sweets to share with classmates at the end of the day – and may instead ask families to buy a book for the school library on their child’s birthday.

The school has written to parents and guardians outlining concerns that have been raised about the sweets and asking them to vote on a range of options.

The letter, sent on behalf of the senior leadership team, said: “It has been suggested by a number of parents that the school should review its arrangements for bringing sweets into school to celebrate a child’s birthday.

“A suggestion has been made that instead of bringing in sweets, families may like to purchase a recommended book for our school library. This could be shared and enjoyed by all children in school.” The letter also suggested each class could draw up a “wish list” of small items they would like for the classroom, which parents could choose from, and which would remain in the classroom.

It ended: “Some parents have also expressed a desire to stop birthday treats altogether, as sometimes children can be leaving school two or even three times a week with sweets.”

Helen Nash, whose son Thomas, ten, is a pupil at the school, took to twitter yesterday.

Helen, whose 13-year-old daughter is also a former pupil at the school, said: “My son who’s still at the school says it’s a stupid idea and that school is no fun anymore. He says if people don’t want sweets then don’t eat them. He’s a healthy ten year old who plays sport at county level and eats a balanced diet, including sweets as a treat.

“I think a lot of people are missing the point. It really annoys me all this health and safety rubbish. Every treat is being axed off. This school book fair hardly has anyone turning up, but you can’t get through the doors at the cake bake.”

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire County Council said the school, which has more than 420 pupils, had a long tradition of children with birthdays bringing to school a small bag of wrapped sweets for their classmates at the end of the day.

She said the issue of changing policy was raised at a Parent Teachers Association meeting and the school leadership felt if parents wanted to change, then buying a book for the library might be a way forward.

Corrine Penhale, head teacher, said: “I’ve had the biggest response I’ve ever had when consulting on school issues. Some parents thanked us for consulting, some agreed with an alternative to sweets and others said they thought it was ridiculous to think of changing the tradition and spoiling the fun.

"We will look at all the responses and if most parents want to carry on the birthday sweets treat the school leaders and teachers would be more than happy with that.”