HEADTEACHERS in Bolton are becoming increasingly concerned about a growing "compensation culture" which is forcing them to reconsider the safety of playground games.

Fears that playground injuries could lead to parents suing schools has prompted school leaders to consider which activities can be deemed as acceptable.

And in some instances seemingly harmless traditional games such as conkers are coming under scrutiny.

At national level there have been concerns raised after reports that playtime games such as British Bulldog and the popular Pokemon trading cards are being banned in schools for fear of injuries.

There have even been reports of schools banning conkers for fear of action if a child suffers a bruised hand while playing.

But legal experts, heads and officials in the Local Education Authority agree that a balance needs to be struck between preventing activities considered potentially harmful while not restricting a child's development.

Bolton LEA assistant director of education Chris Swift said: "It is difficult to say if claims against schools have increased but the public are becoming more aware of the claims culture and they know companies are out there who will take up cases."

He added: "The LEA conducts risk assessments at schools and staff have a good idea of what is acceptable and what is not.

"A lot of it is common sense. For example if you had a mixed playground with large juniors and smaller infants you would not allow the more boisterous games for fear of one of the smaller children being injured."

John Baumber, head of Rivington and Blackrod High School and chairman of the Bolton headteachers' group said: "The compensation culture is of growing concern the headteachers and we would always put the health and safety of children as our priority.

"It is not just in the playground but in other things such as school trips and excursions.

"We are faced with the prospect of deciding not to take pupils on trips because there could be a risk or to not take individual pupils who may pose a risk to themselves or others, which clearly means children would miss out."