23 November 2023 , 11:55
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A school has defended its "prison-like" policy for handing out detentions on Saturdays despite a backlash from parents.
A fierce debate has begun after the Towers School in Ashford, Kent, sent an email to parents reminding them of the possible punishment with some voicing their support for the school's attempt to crack down on troublesome behaviour, while others argued that it is too heavy-handed for children.
Headteacher Richard Billings said the measure represents the school's belief that every student "has the right to learn in a disruption free-environment". He added that the most serious sanction - a Saturday detention -would only be used when a child had repeatedly been removed from class.
Leanne Kirkin, 32, who has two children at Towers School, said: "The policy is ridiculous. I would not send my children in if they ever receive a Saturday detention. Weekends are for family time and for children to rest after their week at school. If I feel my child has been bad at school, I can punish them the way I see fit and the school can punish them in its own time."
Towers School in Ashford, Kent (Kent Messenger Group / SWNS)The school's disciplinary policy states that if a pupil is removed from class during periods one to four, they will attend a one-hour detention from 3:15pm to 4:15pm on the same day. If a pupil is removed from class during period five, the detention will be served the following day.
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However, if a child is given a "reset" - which is when they are sent out of class until they are ready to return - four times in one week, they will be required to attend detention on Saturday. These run for one hour from 9am and are overseen by senior leadership.
Responding to the policy online, Jimbo Kirk said that Towers is "a school not a prison" as he argued that parents, not teachers, should be responsible for reprimanding children. He said: "All of my kids are now very successful adults and that did not come about by them being given sanctions by the school. If kids mess about, schools should notify parents to let them discipline the kids.
"Teachers are there to teach, not to instil discipline. Many times we have told kids not to go to detention and to come straight home. We the parents will decide what happens to our kids, not bloody teaching staff."
Anna Tsarvouli added that staff should "check the reasons why a child has been given four resets", adding: "I find it very hypocritical and this attitude towards teenagers doesn't teach them anything." And Daniel Ambler said he would not let his children attend a weekend detention as "it is family time".
Towers Schools' move comes after Folkstone Academy, also based in Kent, announced plans to introduce Saturday detentions back in 2020. The rule, designed to boost attendance, also attracted a negative reaction from many parents. According to the Education Act 1997, detention outside of school hours is lawful even without parental consent.