Boy, 7, walked out of school and two miles home
PARENTS’ ANGER AS SON, 7, MAKES 2-MILE TRIP ON HIS OWN
A SEVEN-year-old boy left school and walked more than two miles home along busy roads without teachers noticing he had gone. Bosses at Larkhill primary school in Stockport have launched an investigation after Kris James left through the front gate.
His dad Colin said that when his son arrived home, he tried to contact the school for 20 minutes, but couldn’t get through on the phone.
He said Kris’ gran, who lives a few minutes from the Edgeley school, instead went to tell teachers what had happened.
Colin, from Bridgehall, said they told her they had no idea Kris had left.
The family said that means the youngster, who isn’t happy at the school, was ‘missing’ for at least an hour.
Colin, 31, said: “It is a scary thought a boy of his age walking all that way with all the traffic and other hazards, it has knocked us sick.
“I am relieved Kris is unharmed, but I’m angry and worried that this could happen again to another kid who may be younger. They may not be so lucky.
“It looks like they didn’t even realise he was missing until we made them aware. When we arrive at school and sign him in of a morning that’s when the school takes over responsibility for his safety.” Colin, a warehouse operative, said the school gates are usually locked or, during peak drop-off and pick-up times, supervised by a staff member. He said Kris arrived home at around 9.15am. The school is a 30-minute walk from his house. Kris walked from Northgate Road along Stockport Road, Edgeley Road, Bird Hall Lane and Europa Way until he reached his home on Astbury Crescent. Colin said his son is not settled at Larkhill and his family would like him to move to Bridgehall Primary, which is much closer to home. He also lives with mum Gemma Higgins, 31, sister Kayleigh, 11 and brother Curtis, four. Colin has made a complaint to Stockport council. A spokesman for the school said: “It is unfortunate that a child did leave school last Monday. We have investigated thoroughly and did so immediately. We have put in place measures to ensure that there will be no repeat and the headteacher has apologised profusely to the parents.”
The headteacher has apologised profusely to the parents Larkhill primary school spokesman