Northampton primary school thanks parents for 'support and positivity' after one raises concerns
The primary school where a pupil brought in a knife has spoken about the “positivity and support” it has received from parents after one raised concerns.
Rectory Farm Primary School issued a further statement after one parent criticised communications from the school immediately after the incident.
The alarm was raised on Thursday, November 6 when a child brought a knife into school and reportedly chased other pupils.
One parent, who wished not to be named, told the Chron they had lost confidence in the school as a result of how the situation was communicated to parents.
In response, the school said it had received “so much support and positivity from our parents” and “the wider school community” during what had been a “difficult time for all involved”. The school said its doors were always open to any parent or member of the community who wished to discuss the incident.
Following the incident, parents received a short message, which read: “There was an incident on the playground at home time this afternoon. We would like to reassure you that the matter is being dealt with and the pupils in question are receiving the appropriate support.”
The following day (Friday, November 7), the school sent out this message: “After consideration we have decided as a school not to allow children to bring bags or rucksacks into school. This is in order to limit the opportunity for inappropriate items to be brought into school, i.e. pencil cases, toys or other items. A book bag, PE bag and water bottle are all the children require. We thank you in advance for your ongoing support in keeping our school a safe place.”
Neither statement referred to a knife.
The parent who approached the Chronicle & Echo said the school’s initial message “could have been about anything”.
"We didn’t even know it was a knife incident until the next day. It’s frightening to hear something like that third-hand. Had we known on Friday morning, there’s no way my child would have been going to school that day,” he said.
“The communication was poor, and parents deserve better reassurance when something like this happens,” the parent said.
He added that the backpack ban was “pointless” and did not make anyone safer.
He met with senior staff at the school to raise their concerns, which he says are shared by other parents, and added: “Parents need reassurance that it’s been dealt with properly and that our kids are safe.”
In a statement, Rectory Farm’s headteacher thank all those who had given the school, and staff, support after the incident.
“Rectory Farm Primary School has received so much support and positivity from our parents, the wider school community and NPAT during what has been a difficult time for all involved. We will continue to have our doors open and be available to talk to any parents or members of the community to answer questions they may have. We have no further comment to make.”
In a statement issued on Monday after inquiries by the Chronicle & Echo, the school said the incident was dealt with immediately by “by school leaders in consultation with the police and Northampton Primary Academy Trust central team”.
“All parents were immediately notified that day, and key stage two classes were given the opportunity to speak with their executive headteacher, who reassured them that the school remains a safe place to learn,” the statement said.
“Parents and the community can have confidence that, whilst no-one was physically harmed, we take incidents of this nature extremely seriously and the highest level of action has been taken.
“Senior staff have since spoken with parents before and after-school in the playground and continue to remain available for any parent who wants to discuss their concerns,” the statement added.