School called in police after 9-year-old boy’s playground game with broken ruler

A mother burst into tears after police were called into school to speak to her nine-year-old son about a playground game involving a broken ruler. Natasha Bradley, of Orpington, was shocked when she heard the headteacher at St George’s Bickley CE Primary School in Bromley, Kent, had asked police to have a word with her son Kyron Simms. Two days earlier, the 27-year-old had gone into school to meet with the headteacher following complaints Kyron was using half a ruler in the playground as a weapon.

During the meeting, Ms Bradley said her son explained he had been playing a chasing game with two other boys involving pretend swords. She said: "We explained to my son it was a stupid game to play as he could have fallen with the ruler. He cried but he understood." Ms Bradley said she thought the matter was closed following the initial meeting with the headteacher until she was told the police had been asked to speak with Kyron on April 29.
She added: "I had already dealt with him myself. Why the police were involved I haven’t a clue? 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." Ms Bradley said she has made a formal complaint to the school following the incident. Headteacher Geraldine Shackleton said: "I am expected to use my judgement and act appropriately to ensure children and staff in my school are safe.

"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. Officers from the local Safer Neighborhoods teams engage with educational establishments and young people in their area. The work these officers do plays an integral part in helping to keep young people safe and build on community relationships. 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."