A young school boy was cautioned by police after he was caught playing “knights and dragons” on his school playground, wielding, not a sword, but his plastic ruler.
Nine year old Kyron Bradley’s mother broke down in tears when she was told that the police had gone to St George’s Bickley CE Primary School, in Bromley, to talk to her son about the incident.
The 27 year-old carer initially went to the school to discuss what had happened with the school’s head teacher, however a few days later police were called in to give the boy a talking to, despite the fact that she had already spoken to her son about the potential dangers of such a game.
“I had already dealt with Kyron myself. Why the police were involved I haven’t a clue,” Miss Bradley said.
“I was so disgusted with the way he was being dealt with I burst out crying. I am quite a strict parent.
“I am not saying my child is an angel but he has never been in trouble for anything more than being a bit chatty.”
In her, defence head teacher Geraldine Shackleton claimed that police officers are often called in to help speak to students, and offer guidance on dealing with matters of student behaviour.
“I am expected to use my judgement and act appropriately to ensure children and staff in my school are safe,” she stated.
“It would not be appropriate to discuss individual situations but in general terms schools work closely with local police as a matter of routine to gain help and guidance in these matters.”
She added: “Sometimes having a gentle conversation with children, with parents or guardians present, can help young people fully understand possible consequences of actions they have taken or have indicated they may take in the future.
“The whole school takes the responsibility to keep children safe very seriously.”
While the police are unable to comment on individual cases involving non-adults, they did confirm that they visited the school in light of the incident and claim that they often visit schools to help identify pupils who are at risk of offending.
