Following distressing scenes on social media at a local school, the Medway Labour Group have called for calm and for the school, the academy trust and the Council to take firm and prompt action to restore positive community relationships.

Clive Johnson, Medway Labour and Cooperative Group Shadow Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said today:

“Many of us will have seen videos, photos, and news reports of tensions in a local school. Those tensions seem to have resulted in unacceptable behaviour from some members of the school community.  It is vital that all members of the community act calmly, with consideration and with respect to all others.

“The focus of all of us should be the well-being and safety of school students.  I have been briefed by council officers and I have called on them to ensure that the school leadership, staff and students are given the support and resources that they need to resolve these issues speedily, which may include wider council services.

“I also call on the academy trust, responsible for this school, to take the urgent action required to ensure educational and well-being standards are safeguarded.  I also note that these tensions have occurred at a time when Kent Police’s Schools Team have been withdrawn.”