HEAD’S LESSON FOR THE PUSHY PARENT

‘Don’t believe naughty kids’

A HEADTEACHER has slammed “overprotective” parents who come to their child’s defence every time they are told off.

Bruce Grindlay said that teachers had stopped disciplining children as it is too “time consuming”.

He wrote a letter to parents at the £21,405-a-year Sutton Valence prep school in Kent, saying: “Please can I ask you to not always believe your child’s version of events? I am writing to ask that you do not immediately challenge staff who have seen fit to raise a behavioural concern or impose a sanction on your child.

“It has become an issue for staff and some are preferring not to sanction a child for fear of time-consuming and unpleasant repercussions.”

One parent took to Twitter to praise the letter and attitude from the head of the school in Maidstone.

Toby Payne-Cook said: “The delusion of overprotective parents can hugely stifle the good intentions of a school. Great letter. Great school. Great leadership. Thank you.”

Primary school head Jamie Nairn said: “Totally agree with this letter.”

The Star Says: Page 6 ®

A POLAR explorer has hit out at the “health and safety” culture, saying children need to get hurt to grow up properly.

Captain Louis Rudd, 49, became the first Brit to walk unaided across Antarctica. He said: “Children from a young age really are wrapped in cotton wool. They learn from taking a tumble here and there.”