A major investigation is underway after a child brought a knife into a York primary school.
Police and council education leaders are working with the school following the incident, which happened on Wednesday morning.
The head teacher insists pupils were not put in danger – but some worried parents have told YorkMix they fear for the safety of their children.
The incident took place at Headlands Primary School in Haxby. In an email to parents on Thursday, head teacher Ruth Ellis wrote: “There was a serious incident yesterday in which a year 5/6 pupil brought a knife into school.
“It was immediately brought to the attention of the class teacher and confiscated.
At no point were any children in any danger.
“Please be reassured that this incident has been taken extremely seriously by the school as the safety and wellbeing of our children is our priority.
“The individual has been suspended and the police informed.”
The child was suspended for five days.
Following the incident Mrs Ellis talked to the Year 5 and 6 children “to reassure them, and discuss the appropriate use of knives and safeguarding”.
The school has been allocated a police school liaison officer who has already provided “clear advice and… clear guidance as to how our school community moves forward”.
One Headlands parent described the incident as “absolutely shocking”. They said they wanted the culprit excluded permanently, adding: “I don’t want my child anywhere near this person because of the risk factor.”
Another parent said they would be looking into other primary schools if the child involved returned.
“We just want the right help for this child – and obviously home schooling for now,” the parent told us.
They said that they had contacted the school with their concerns but not yet had a reply.
Mrs Ellis told YorkMix: “This is a difficult time for our school community.
“We will continue to work closely with the local authority, in partnership with appropriate agencies, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our children.”
Martin Kelly, corporate director of children and education at City of York Council, said: “We’re aware of the incident that took place at Headlands Primary this week.
“It’s understandable that parents will have questions and concerns in the light of this incident and we’re working closely with the school to respond to these.
“The school have responded to the incident appropriately and have sought the necessary guidance and support.
“We will continue to support the school as they undertake ongoing work, including thorough risk assessments, to ensure that we continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all members of the school community.”
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “We’re aware of this incident, and our school liaison team are working closely with the school involved.”