Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School Haworth Street Oswaldtwistle BB5 3EA T: 01254 231051 F: 01254 393242 E: school@rhyddings.co.uk W: www.rhyddings.co.uk Headteacher: Paul Trickett B.Sc
Our ref: TT/KS 27 February 2014 Dear Parent / Carer RE
BAN OF ENERGY DRINKS
During this week I have given a series of assemblies to all year groups, based on the consumption of ‘energy drinks’ and ‘low or no sugar drinks’. Current research shows us that the negative effects of ‘energy drinks’, due primarily to the high concentration of caffeine and other stimulants, are many and varied. They include anxiety, irritability, lack of concentration, headaches and nausea. There have been examples were excessive consumption has led to deaths. As a result, from Monday 3 March, I have decided that the consumption of these drinks on school premises is banned. I would ask that only: water fruit juice or milk is brought into school to consume with meals and during the day. I have not included flavoured water or squash in the allowable list. There are very clear reasons for this, based on the use of Aspartame as a sweetener. Aspartame contains a chemical, Phenylalanine, which is a Neurotoxin which plays a huge part in creating behavioural changes in students. On foods/drinks which contain this you will find on the labels, ‘contains a source of phenylalanine’ this is to be avoided at all costs and is banned in some parts of the world. If you have any queries regarding this decision then I am happy for you to contact me on the school number or at school@rhyddings.co.uk. May I thank you for your cooperation in this decision and remind you: water, fruit juice or milkare acceptable as a healthy option. Yours sincerely
Paul Trickett Headteacher