Are games of cops and robbers for nursery pupils gone for good?

THE DAYS of “cops and robbers” may be in the past for many young children, as most nurseries are now banning them from bringing in and playing with toy weapons, according to a poll.

The survey also suggests that for a small number, superhero costumes are getting the thumbs down.

There is a fear that toy guns and swords can encourage aggression and violence, according to Sue Learner, editor of Daynurseries. co.uk, which published the poll.

But she added that banning pretend weapons is “controlling children’s imaginative play”.

The survey found that about four in five of those questioned said that toy weapons are not allowed in their nursery, while about a fifth said they were permitted.

In addition, one in 20 of the nursery workers polled said their nursery has banned superhero costumes, with the majority saying they are allowed.

Ms Learner said: “It is interesting that this is such a contentious issue. There is this fear toy guns and swords encourage aggression and violence and create a noisy, chaotic atmosphere.

“I realise many nurseries are under pressure from parents due to these perceptions. Yet if we ban toy weapons, we are controlling children’s imaginative play.

“We should be encouraging open-ended physical play, not limiting it and shutting it down.”

David Wright, co-owner of the Paintpots nursery group based in Southampton, said he takes a considered approach to the issue.

“My take on it is that as adults, we project our own prejudices, our own thoughts and our own fears on to children’s play,” he said.