The mother of a Chelmsford primary school pupil has condemned the "nanny state" attitude which has led to schools banning parents from taking photographs at school plays.

The move is aimed at protecting youngsters from paedophiles. Ann Capps, of North Springfield, said: "I understand that schools have to protect the children within the school environment, but they have to ask themselves are they just jumping on the nanny state bandwagon?"

Essex education chiefs have released guidelines stating that all photography, including videos, at school events must have the permission of all the parents - or permission from the children in years nine and above - or schools could choose to ban photography altogether.

Although Mrs Capps's school later changed its position and asked for permission from all parents to allow photographs, an overall ban has been issued at Larkrise Infants, Chelmsford, by head teacher Jonathon Evans.

Cllr Nigel Edey, deputy county council cabinet member for education, said that the guidelines, which were to protect children from having photographs of them misused, particularly on the internet, had been issued to clarify rules for schools.

Published Monday December 15, 2003