Affray in a manger!
Primary pupils sob as head mocks ‘rubbish’ nativity – then police are called as parents storm the school
THE nativity show is usually a highlight of the school calendar and heralds the season of peace and goodwill to all.
But the mood following a performance at Windsor Clive Primary School seemed anything but peaceful, with police called to deal with a mob of angry parents who confronted the headteacher for criticising their children’s efforts on stage.
Headmistress Vicky Meadows was accused of reducing pupils to tears over their poor behaviour during the performance on Monday morning at a church close to the school in Ely, Cardiff.
One parent claimed a father had to be removed from the school while others said their children were so traumatised by the telling-off they were still tearful at bedtime.
The following morning, up to 30 parents descended on the 400-pupil school, ‘yelling abuse’ at a receptionist and demanding an explanation from Mrs Meadows. The confrontation saw the headteacher call the police and cancel that morning’s performance.
Father- of-two Lee Robinson said: ‘The head teacher told the children they had done brilliantly, in front of the parents. But my son said afterwards they were told they were absolutely rubbish and if they didn’t behave better they would be given bread and water at the Christmas party.’
Chris Bewick, 39, a photocopying engineer whose eight-year-old daughter Abby was in the play, added: ‘All the parents were clapping and cheering at the end and we were very proud of them. But after the parents had gone the head told how disgraceful they were. The children were devastated and were crying.’
It is understood that children in years three to six took part in the nativity production.
During Windsor Clive’s last inspection, Mrs Meadows was singled out for her ‘dynamic’ leadership and lauded for transforming the school since her appointment in 2008.
Defending the headteacher, one parent said: ‘Teachers informed her that rehearsals were much better and they could have done better. Which was what she said to the children. She also told them off about messing around and talking.’
A spokesman for Cardiff Council said: ‘Some parents have alleged that, following the Christmas concert, pupils were spoken to in an inappropriate manner. The school refutes this.’ South Wales Police said there were no arrests.