Streets around The North School in Ashford, Kent, are being plagued by roadworks but any pupils who arrive after 8.40am will still be punished regardless of the circumstances, it’s said
Parents are furious a school will continue to give detentions for lateness – despite chaotic roadworks plaguing a town.
Mums and dads have begged The North School in Ashford, Kent to “use some common sense” when pupils arrive after 8.40am, as seven different road closures or temporary lights continue to cause gridlock in the area.
But the school, which caters for more than 1,200 youngsters, confirmed the crackdown will remain and families should allow for extra time for their journeys in the morning to avoid being late.
Parents have voiced their anger on social media, with some sharing their worry their children will be caught out. Detentions are typically used by most schools as a punishment of being kept behind after regular hours.
One mum wrote on Facebook: “Some common sense and allowances for this problem – which the whole of Ashford is having issues with – need to be implemented. If everyone leaves early, it will be no different as it will be the same amount of traffic causing the delays.”
A dad said: “Schools need to do better and think outside the box. They are putting pressure on youngsters and parents for an obvious bad situation that was no fault of their own.
“Kids going to school knowing that they will be punished because of something they cannot help will not lead to healthy learning.”
Others have labelled the policy “ridiculous” and even suggested teachers get detentions too if they do not make it into work on time, according to Kent Online.
The same publication reported this week traffic is plaguing Ashford because of roadworks across the town. Various projects, including gas works, are being carried out at the same time, it is believed.
But The North School, rated as Good by Ofsted after an inspection last year, said the strict ruling is a good lesson in timekeeping for “real life”. In an email sent to all parents, bosses said: “We are currently aware of the roadworks taking place in Ashford. Please be aware the expectation for pupils to arrive at school on time is still in place.
“Any children who arrive after 8.40am will receive a detention as per our school policy. We kindly ask that you allow more time for your journey to factor in the delays that may be caused from these roadworks.”
And other social media users supported the school’s decision to maintain its rule. One person wrote: “Schools have to somewhat mimic real life and a good lesson to learn. Is traffic an excuse to turn up late to your job? Your employer, in most cases, won’t accept that.”
Another person said: “Quite right too. When kids leave school and go to work, they will be expected to get to work on time. Everyone knows the traffic is heavy and journey times will take longer.” The Mirror has approached The North School for further comment.
