Parents hit out after school failed to notify them of police incident.

Excluded student was removed from campus by police

Parents at Monifieth High School have reacted angrily after the school failed to inform them about the threat posed by a potentially dangerous pupil.

The school was put on lockdown on Thursday after an excluded pupil was found on campus.

The school received information the pupil was heading there and contacted the police, who removed him from the grounds by the end of first period.

The pupil, who parents consider a threat to their children’s safety, had made at least one prior bid to enter the school grounds since being excluded.

Sources told The Courier the boy was found with a knife on that previous occasion, although staff at the school have claimed this was not the case.

The school did not immediately tell parents, despite routinely using communications methods such as texts to inform parents of various matters, including minor school policy breaches.

Head teacher Mrs M-C Mcinally emailed staff and parents early on Friday afternoon.

“My child was in the same school campus while this went on and the school never even so much as sent a text. CONCERNED PARENT

One parent, who did not wish to be named, said: “I am utterly disgusted by the boy’s behaviour and disappointed ...with how the school handled this.

“My child was in the same school campus while this went on and the school never even so much as sent a text.

“If my child had failed to hand in homework on time you better believe I would have been told without delay.

“The school needs staff members in the grounds monitoring during breaks and lunchtime.”

Many parents took to social media to express surprise and disappointment at the delay in telling them, although staff and police drew praise for their actions.

An Angus Council spokesman said: “The head teacher has, in consultation with Angus Council, written to all staff and parents today with regards to media coverage relating to an incident that took place at the school yesterday.

“We understand events subsequent to this incident may be subject to further police investigation, however, we wanted to address any suggestions or inaccuracies concerning the presence of an offensive weapon so as to provide reassurance. There was no weapon.

“The school was placed on lockdown as a precaution. At no stage was any young person or member of staff at risk.

“Any parent who has any continuing concerns is invited to contact the head teacher directly,” he said.

Police said a pupil had been removed but not arrested or charged.