Kentish Express Ashford & District
Pupils arrive in style for final-day farewell
There was a surprise in store for Year 6 leavers on their last day at Spring Grove School, Wye.
They arrived in style in two horse-drawn drays thanks to their parents who had secretly arranged the trip.
The pupils were unaware of the treat, and even the school had been kept in the dark until the last minute.
The drays picked up the 25 pupils from the Wooden Spoon in Wye and took them on a tour round the village before trotting up to the school.
There, fellow pupils lined up outside to greet them.
Parent Alan Brooks said: “It was fantastic.
“The horses looked stunning and it was a great day.” Parents who are abusive to teachers have been taken to task by Homewood School principal Sally Lees.
She has said the behaviour will not be tolerated and her staff have been told to terminate a conversation if the abuse continues.
Mrs Lees has been backed by National Union of Teachers Kent secretary John Walder.
He said: “You get people who think they can express their frustration or anger in a way which to many is unacceptable.
“I sympathise with Mrs Lees and back her up. Teachers should not be subjected to abusive language.”
Mrs Lees said the problem was with a small minority of parents.
“We emphasise mutual respect as one of our core principles underpinning the ethos of the school,” she said. “I think it is really important that all conversations and communications which take place are respectful on all sides and promote this ethos.”
Mrs Lees used a school newsletter to parents to voice her concerns.
In a message, she said: “Sometimes, I am really concerned at the way my staff are spoken to by parents.
“Staff should expect to be treated with dignity and respect when they are in their place of
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