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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To keep my child off school after a security breach I was not informed about

100 replies

Star1234567890 · 30/06/2018 17:28

On Friday, my teenage son tells me that ten people in hoodys and balaclavas climbed over his school field fence (it's only about 3.5ft high) so all the pupils had to stay in the hall and then were only allowed in a small secured outdoor area later. Apparently a teacher confirmed this.

Sometimes my son misses details out of stories but doesn't blatantly lie so I know there is room for half a story but that kind of adds to my point...

There has been NO communication from the school about this. So with his half story, how can I do anything other than believe his version of events?

I feel like keeping him home on Monday until I've spoken with someone as 1) I don't know if these people are a threat for my son if they come back or if it was an isolated incident that has been resolved and 2) I can't trust school to let me know if there is an incident that involves what is effectively 'lockdown'.

I accept it may have even been a practice lockdown but assuming a teacher said 'men in balaclavas' is true that's a bit extreme from the usual 'theres a loose dog on the field'!

So AIBU to keep home until I speak to someone on Monday morning and gather the facts?

OP posts:
saoirse31 · 30/06/2018 17:30

Well on the other hand, incident happened, school dealt with it, have no idea why you'd keep him off school tbh.

GreenTulips · 30/06/2018 17:31

Ask other parents
Check the school website

Where are you UK?

Aprilshouldhavebeenmyname · 30/06/2018 17:31

3.5 foot fence.
Ninjas then?
Keep him of until when exactly?

Halfblindbunny · 30/06/2018 17:31

I think yabu, if there was a serious problem school will be dealing with it. You knowing about it or not won't make any difference to what happens at the school.

SoddingUnicorns · 30/06/2018 17:32

Have you spoken to other parents? I wouldn’t be surprised if you get a letter home on Monday tbh, would they have had time to organise contacting every parent on Friday?

Anasnake · 30/06/2018 17:34

Sounds like Chinese whispers

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 30/06/2018 17:34

Would you want your child in there, Saoitse.
It's very to say people are over reacting when it's not affecting you and yours.
Of course op is worried.

ourkidmolly · 30/06/2018 17:34

This sounds extremely unlikely and suspicious. I wouldn't be making a tit of myself until you've ascertained the facts.

SoddingUnicorns · 30/06/2018 17:35

Depends on where the school is if it’s unlikely or not!

NewYearNewMe18 · 30/06/2018 17:35

Are you usually this hysterical about events that have been dealt with?

Original poster
Star1234567890 · 30/06/2018 17:37

There is a school messaging system that they use so they could have communicated like that.

Yes I'm in UK, not city based. I'm not really in contact with parents at this age, he's in Year 10 so theres not so much contact with other parents now.

I did say 'until late morning' as allowing for time for a member of staff to be free to speak to me, I doubt reception will discuss it.

OP posts:
MooPointCowsOpinion · 30/06/2018 17:37

I’d bet money it never happened. Kids start rumours and then other kids believe them. Probably just a lock down drill.

NapQueen · 30/06/2018 17:39

climbed over his school field fence (it's only about 3.5ft high)

So stepped over then?

Original poster
Star1234567890 · 30/06/2018 17:41

The fence I'm referring to is the old fashioned wooden fences with horizontal woods slats with gaps so they can be climbed up and over quite easily by someone reasonably agile. The school has a centre courtyard so has higher gates surrounding it but the field is accessed and used by pupils and not as secure outside the 7ft metal fences.

I agree there will be sent Chinese whispers, which is why I feel communication is key to prevent this.

Yes I am an anxious parent, things like this don't happen often where we are thankfully buy anything close and I can overreact yes, hence the AIBU post.

OP posts:
Original poster
Star1234567890 · 30/06/2018 17:42

Ok I have never measured the school fence. Its no taller than the chest of an average height adult. Regardless, it CAN be overcome if someone wants to get onto the field.

OP posts:
Original poster
Star1234567890 · 30/06/2018 17:43

Totally accept it could be Chinese whispers but with Y11 recently leaving could also be a prank. Many possibilities. All I can do at the moment is guess.

OP posts:
SoddingUnicorns · 30/06/2018 17:44

I’d probably send him in but call the school, to be on the safe side.

If it’s true, they can reassure you. If it’s not they can squash rumours.

GreenTulips · 30/06/2018 17:44

Possible Year 11 leaving prank

Happens here

What makes you think your son is a target?

Get him to check Snapchat - see what others have said or heard

We have a parents FB info page - no need to know the parents

user1457017537 · 30/06/2018 17:45

I can believe this as I understand these incidents are not reported as they effect the Offsted

LeighaJ · 30/06/2018 17:46

Does your son by any chance have an important project due Monday or a big test then? Grin

LonginesPrime · 30/06/2018 17:47

If you're genuinely worried, can you not email the chair of governors and/or the head over the weekend?

If no, why not?

Halfblindbunny · 30/06/2018 17:47

Awwlookatmybabyspider yes I'd send my child back no problem. Believe it or not schools do have the kids best interest at heart and if there was a ongoing security threat they will be doing what they need to do.

MissMiserable · 30/06/2018 17:49

I'd guess yr 11 prank and that's why they haven't said anything?

SoddingUnicorns · 30/06/2018 17:50

Can you really contact school staff over weekends in some schools?

TheThirdOfHerName · 30/06/2018 17:50

This sounds to me like thr sort of thing leavers' do as a 'prank'.
Did the Y11s or the Y13s have a book return day today?