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Head teacher bans parents from school over bad language and violent behaviour

The head teacher of the academy said some of the parents' behaviour was the worst she had seen in 25 years

Rachael Pells
Friday 29 April 2016 17:36 BST
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Parents of the Kent school will have to make an appointment to enter the building
Parents of the Kent school will have to make an appointment to enter the building

A secondary school in Kent has banned parents from entering unannounced on account of their bad language.

Ebbsfleet Academy said the measure came after a few parents had been “violent and abusive” towards staff.

Principal Alison Colwell said some of the behaviour – including one mother’s four-letter outburst in the school’s reception area – was the worst she had witnessed in her 25-year career.

As a result, some parents had been banned for the safety and wellbeing of students.

“The students don't deserve to witness that, to hear that,” said Ms Colwell.

“My staff don't deserve to be subject to that. All of the people that work here are totally committed.”

‘The problem is with a small number – parents coming in angry, aggressive, demanding to see a member of staff at a certain time, which clearly isn’t practical or workable or what would happen in any other organisation.’

Julie Huckstep, from the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said: ”It's the first instance that I've heard of, certainly in this area, of violence from parents towards staff.

“But yes, teachers need to be protected. If you go to any public building, there are signs saying 'we won't tolerate violence' and why should schools be any different?”

An Ebbsfleet school spokesperson said that any parents with concerns should contact the school directly to make an appointment.

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