Children sent their parents a message about smoking at the school gates.

Carterhatch primary school, in Carterhatch Lane, is the first school in the borough to ban parents from smoking outside its gates.

It devoted a whole day to teaching pupils about the health risks of smoking, and children designed a plaque to remind parents to stub their cigarettes out before they arrive.

The scheme was launched by parent governor Marina Haque.

Ms Haque said: “Although a ban on smoking at the school gates cannot be legally enforced, children will be asking their own parents politely to stop smoking there.

“A plaque designed by the children reminding people not to smoke will be unveiled at the school gates. At all times the children will be polite when they approach their parents and we are confident that they will cooperate with the children’s wishes.”

Cllr Ayfer Orhan, Enfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for education, children’s services and protection, added: “Children are the best advocates to be saying ‘don’t smoke near our school’.

“This pioneering approach is a bold move and a great example of the successful work going on in our schools which is helping to develop healthy attitudes and changes to life styles.”

A pledge wall containing the children’s messages about smoking was displayed in the playground.