Concern as knife brought to school

Primary pupil had a multi -tool in his schoolbag

Worried parents have hit out after a young schoolboy took a potentially dangerous multi- tool into an Airdrie primary school.

The tool – which included a knife – was immediately confiscated by staff at St Serf’s Primary in Rawyards and the youngster’s family subsequently notified.

However, other parents have criticised the school’s handling of the incident, claiming their children were warned that if they discussed the matter they’d lose out on “golden time” as a “punishment”.

One mum told the Advertiser: “I’m outraged at discovering a boy brought a knife to school.

“I’m also angry that the children were told not to talk about this or they’d get punished.

“Parents should have been told of this incident immediately. The school needs to address this.”

The head teacher and class teacher at St Serf ’s have both strenuously denied making any threats of “punishment” to pupils, saying they actively encouraged the youngsters to tell their parents about t the incident.

Concerned parents have hit out after a young pupil took a potentially dangerous multi- tool into class at an Airdrie primary school.

The incident at St Serf ’s Primary in Rawyards occurred last Tuesday, and when staff became aware, they immediately confiscated the tool – which included a knife – and contacted the youngster’s family.

However, other parents have criticised the way the school handled the incident, claiming their children were warned that if they discussed the matter they’d lose out on “golden time” as a “punishment”.

One furious mum told the Advertiser: “I am outraged at discovering a boy brought a tool containing a knife into the school my child also attends.

“I’m also really angry that the children were told not to talk about this with anyone or they’d get punished with a “red card” which results in a reduction of their golden time on a Friday.

“Parents should have been told of this immediately. Thankfully, no-one was hurt but something could have happened which resulted in a parent receiving a phone call informing them their child had been badly hurt.”

She added: The school needs to explain why this was hidden from parents and they also need to address the issue of the knife.”

The head teacher and class teacher at the school have both denied making any threats of punishment to pupils, and said they actively encouraged pupils to tell adults.

A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said: “An Airdrie primary pupil had a multi-tool in his schoolbag on Tuesday, November 26.

“As soon as staff became aware of this, the tool was confiscated and [the pupil’s] parents were contacted.

“The school has asked community police to give a talk to pupils to pupils about their personal responsibilities and personal safety.

“On this occasion it was not deemed necessary to inform parents about this incident.”

St Serf’s