Scottish Borders Council apologises to parents following a number of 'regrettable incidents' at local primary school
The director of education at Scottish Borders Council has apologised to parents at a local primary school for a string of incidents, which she acknowledges have "caused upset and concern to parents, children and staff".
In a letter to mums and dads, Lesley Munro admits the situation could have been handled better.
But she goes on to say the local authority is "committed" to improving the situation - and urges anyone with concerns to report them as they arise, so they can be properly investigated.
We're not naming the school or divulging all the details for legal reasons.
But parents have told us pupils are wetting themselves in class because they're too scared to go to the toilet - where, it's alleged, some have been assaulted.
A number have requested a move to another school amid concerns not enough's being done to protect them.
Ms Munro said: "A number of regrettable incidents have occurred over the last year, which we recognise should have been managed better. We can only apologise for this and we fully accept that this is a situation that is not acceptable for any of the families who attend the school.
"There has been a lot of concern shared with our service about families removing their children from school. Where a family have made a request to move, efforts have been made to explore any supports which might be offered to have children remain in the school.
"There is a pattern of the number of incidents reducing but I recognise that the time that it has taken to reach this point is unacceptable.
"Going forward, it is vital that we review why this untenable situation has been ongoing for a much longer period of time than should ever be acceptable and to learn from the mistakes that were made, which led to this being the case."
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It's understood around 60 parents attended a recent meeting at the school to discuss the issues.
Scottish Borders Council says the safety and wellbeing of children is its top priority, and education officials are offering to meet with any family who remain concerned.
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Ms Munro said: "We recognise that prior to the summer holidays, the school was struggling to meet the needs of children and despite advice and support from our inclusion and wellbeing service, a number of changes being implemented and additional resource being allocated to support, with hindsight we can see that this was not adequate in resolving the issues.
"Following the return to the new school session in August 2023, a number of further incidents were reported and the level of concerns being raised increased again. The school was, therefore, identified for intense support with input provided from two Quality Improvement Officers and a Quality Improvement Manager.
"Significant Officer time has been allocated to the school to provide guidance and support, including frequent checks with the school, regular visits, support in meetings and dealing with (parents') concerns.
And she added: "Headteachers (from neighbouring schools), senior officers, and other professionals working in or visiting the school give a measure of the environment and climate in the school and I am very happy to say that their observation and experience adds to our confidence that there have been significant improvements."
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