AS the summer term ends, school sports days are once again bringing parents, grandparents and children together on playing fields and playgrounds.

These events are often warm, joyful occasions, but they also reveal something important about what we value in children and, increasingly, what we are afraid to value.

In principle, inclusion is a worthy aim. No child should be humiliated. No child should be mocked for finishing last. No school event should become an exercise in embarrassment.

But somewhere along the way, many schools have confused kindness with the removal of meaningful achievement.

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This is not an argument against inclusion. It is an argument against confusing inclusion with the quiet removal of achievement.

Increasingly, sports days appear to have become less about sporting endeavour and more about protecting everyone from the possibility of disappointment.

The winner is softened. The race is diluted. The medal is replaced by the participation sticker. We tell children that simply taking part is what matters most. But is that really fair?

For many children, school is already a competitive environment. It is competitive in reading groups, spelling tests, maths scores, exam results, awards assemblies, “star of the week” certificates and academic prizes.

Children who are naturally academic........

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