I write supporting Coppins Green Primary School, after events concerning a “cupboard”.

Example A: A 32-year-old man was sentenced to two years in prison after he verbally and physically abused a 70-year-old lady, leaving her shaken and needing hospital treatment.

What are you thinking? Got what he deserved?

Example B: A seven-year-old boy was placed in a small room in isolation after swearing, kicking and biting his teacher.

What are you thinking? Got what he deserved?

However, if the mother of this boy said “cupboard” instead of small room, you see how the story changes. Cupboard definition: a storage facility.

The headteacher, Stuart Livingstone, and his staff do not put children in a cupboard.

However, violent, verbally abusive children are placed in a small room, in isolation, for their and others’ safety.

I would point out, reconsidering example A, the staff at Coppins Green are teaching the pupils a very important lesson in life.

Our children, mine included, need to be taught, if their behaviour mimics in any way that of example B, there are consequences.

When I first heard the gossip around the school about this cupboard, I was horrified.

However, gossip was the operative word. As I looked closer, my example B seemed more the case.

The accusations against the school are unfounded and have been blown out of all proportion.

I believe this was all started to angle attention and sympathy on the accuser.

I feel I must speak up, rather than quickly jump on the bandwagon and point the finger of blame.

I would rather my children have isolation now, at this age, than not learn the consequences of their behaviour, and having prison visits later down the line.

I have two children currently in Coppins Green and have no qualms about sending my twins there next September.

Therefore, I wholeheartedly support Mr Livingstone and Coppins Green.

Hannah Kemp
St Osyth Road
Clacton

...I’m not surprised to read about the strong feelings aroused on both sides of the row at Coppins Green Primary School, regarding the measures used to manage disruptive pupils.

The idea of picketing the school gates in protest would have generated publicity, but not added a great deal to what is a complex problem.

It was also ironic to read about the threat of troublemakers turning up to the now cancelled protest to protest about troubled children.

The use of a so-called “saferoom”

is without doubt an extreme measure to subject any child to. Not every child is the same and, with appropriate care and support, some children could find this helpful.

On the other hand, some children may experience such treatment as cruel, abusive and isolating. Much depends on the way such incidents are managed.

Poorly-trained and badly-supported staff will make the situation worse, possibly leading to worse disruptive behaviour.

Parents and teachers need to work together and, in particular, understand the root cause of the behaviour to tackle it effectively.

Steven Walker
Sunny Point
Walton