Department officials said by limiting the use of toy guns by boys between the ages of 3 and 5, nursery staff placed them at a disadvantage to girls, The Guardian reported Saturday.

National data accumulated between 2004 and 2006 found that boys typically performed beneath their female counterparts in all areas of learning.

The department's guidance, "Confident, Capable and Creative: Supporting Boys' Achievements," said allowing the use of toy guns could foster improve academic performance among boys.

"Creating situations so that boys' interests in these forms of play can be fostered through healthy and safe risk-taking will enhance every aspect of their learning," department officials said.

Opponents of the measure told The Guardian that weapons, even when fake, represent aggression and therefore are unfit items for a learning atmosphere.