THE chief executive of a Thurrock schools trust has played down an incident that happened outside Dilkes Academy in Garron Lane, South Ockendon recently and has thanked the majority of parents and carers of children at the school for their 'continued support during these challenging times.'

There was considerable comment on local social media about the incident in which police officers confronted a parent at the school gates. It is alleged that his child was not allowed in school without a mask, even though she had a medical exemption.

Tony Parfett, Chief Executive of the Catalyst Academies Trust, explained what had happened and how a confrontation came about.

"Firstly I would like to confirm that no child has been refused access at any Catalyst Academies Trust School.

"The police were in attendance at Dilkes Academy as a parent had threatened to access school grounds without permission if they insisted on enforcing the wearing of face coverings on school premises.

"The parent concerned refused to take up the alternative arrangements that had been put into place for drop off and collection.

"Police officers wanted to speak to the parent concerned about his conduct which resulted in the scene at the school gate.

"All parents were given a weeks' notice about the COVID measures that were being put into place at every Trust school from Tuesday, 3 November.

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"Parents who were unable to comply for whatever reason were given alternative drop off and collection arrangements so that their child could access and attend school as normal.

"The overwhelming majority of parents and carers were incredibly supportive and complied with the measures that we put into place to protect pupils, staff and the wider school community.

"We would like to wholeheartedly thank parents and carers for their continued support during these challenging times."