A HEADTEACHER has threatened to ban parents who swear in front of the children from the school grounds.

Vivienne Arkell from Pokesdown Primary School said well-behaved parents concerned about the problem should call the police.

Mrs Arkell, writing in the schools last newsletter, said she was continuing to receive reports of bad language outside the school gates, and that she had been contacted by two parents that week.

She said: “Please inform the school immediately if anything happens so that I can take appropriate action.

“I have recommended that parents should contact the police if they are unhappy about parents’ conduct outside of the school grounds.

“Any parent who causes concern in this way will be asked not to enter the school grounds until the situation is resolved.”

Mrs Arkell also reminded parents not to smoke or park illegally.

She added: “We have a wonderful school and we thank the 99 per cent of parents who support us every day and are positive role models.”

The school is in Livingstone Road, off Seabourne Road, and has 330 pupils aged 3 to 11. The last Ofsted inspection in 2010 rated it “satisfactory.”

One parent said: “I completely agree with the head-teacher – you see smoking and swearing and it’s the same old people all the time. This has been in the newsletter a few times.”

When the Echo contacted Mrs Arkell she said there was not really a big problem and declined to comment further.

A Bournemouth Council spokesman said: “As an authority we do not provide guidance with regards to parents conduct. This is an issue which is dealt with by each individual school.”

What you think

The Echo spoke to Pokesdown Community Primary School parents at home time.

Amy Thompson, 25, from Pokesdown said: “I haven’t heard anything but I agree with what the headteacher has said. Smoking is an issue was aswell.”

Christine Walton, 60, a grandparent from Christchurch, said: “People shouldn’t do it because it sets a bad example and children follow by example. I have heard swearing and I absolutely agree with the headteacher.”

Jonny Pottle, 33, from Winton, said: “I haven’t heard anything myself but you don’t want your kids hearing that. I might give someone swearing a heads up but it depends on situation.”

Mark Rushworth, 54, a grandparent, said: “Some people would probably say they have got freedom of speech but they are not setting a good example to the children.”