Lunchtime ban defended by Coseley School
A school says it banned pupils from the building at lunchtime because of "concerns" about litter and behaviour in the corridors.
The move at The Coseley School followed complaints of bad behaviour by some children last week.
It resulted in a boy being excluded after a fracas with another teenager but some parents criticised the decision, with one saying it left pupils cold, wet and in danger from "undesirables".
Headmistress Mandy Elwiss says the children were safe because the site is "totally secure".
She insists that the children were asked to stay outside the building for one lunchtime only – on Tuesday.
The children, who yesterday had an early finish due to a parents' evening, will be allowed back into the building during lunchtime from tomorrow onwards.
She added: "As far as I know, we are the only school in Dudley that has a policy whereby the youngsters can stay inside at lunchtime – but that is a privilege, not a right.
We are now reviewing that policy but will be consulting the students."
Mrs Elwiss denied suggestions there had been an incident in which pupils ran out of the building to try to have a fight with pupils from another school on Friday.
She said: "There was an incident, which I would not describe as a fight, between two boys aged 15 or 16.
"One of the students has been temporarily excluded."
Parent Daniel Reynolds, of Mervyn Road, Bradley, said today: "I'm really worried. There are some undesirables around, and I think it's dangerous.
"The children were freezing and soaking wet.
Another parent, who asked not to be named, said: "Everyone is really angry. We're asking for the school to justify its actions."
By Louise Jew
