Knife threat at primary school

A mother says her son will not be returning to a Newark primary school after he was allegedly chased by another pupil with a flick-knife.

Ashley Taylor, 9, says he ran away from the boy in terror and locked himself in a toilet cubicle until he went away.

He says he reported the incident to the head of the William Gladstone Primary School, Mrs Jackie Warren.

Ashley’s mother, Miss Viki Taylor, said Mrs Warren told her what happened when she picked Ashley up from school, and that she had confiscated a knife and contacted the police.

The other boy was suspended for seven days and Miss Taylor said she was assured that when he returned, the boys’ paths would not cross.

However, Miss Taylor said Ashley had seen the boy in school again, and he no longer felt safe there.

Ashley has spent the past week at home while his mother tries to find him a new school.

Ashley said: “I was scared. I miss maths, which is my favourite lesson, and history and science and drama.

“I want my pencil cases and my favourite coat but I don’t want to go back to school.”

Miss Taylor, who says her son is a bright boy, said: “I’m so scared to think what might have happened if Ashley hadn’t locked himself in that toilet.

“No child considers the consequences or the repercussions of what they do, and no child under any circumstances should have a knife on them.

“I don’t feel this has been taken seriously enough.”

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said an 11-year-old boy had been interviewed and inquiries were ongoing.

Mrs Warren said: “Following an incident in school involving threatening behaviour towards another pupil, a child was suspended for one week.

“While he was suspended, we worked closely with the county council to carry out a risk assessment and put together a plan for his return in order to ensure the safety of all children.

“School has sought to make contact with Ashley’s family to get him back into education following accidental contact with the suspended boy while he was in school with his parents for a re-admittance meeting.”

The county council’s service director for education standards and inclusion, Mr John Slater, said: “We are aware of this incident and are confident the school handled it appropriately.

“If Ashley’s mother is determined that she will not allow her son to return to the William Gladstone school then we shall work with her and other local schools to try to find Ashley a school place as quickly as possible.”