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Parents banned from children's sports day at Oaks Academy in Maidstone

Robin Shrubsole outside Oaks Academy in Maidstone
Robin Shrubsole outside Oaks Academy in Maidstone

A couple had to watch their children's sports day through the school gates after they were banned.

Robin and Sally Shrubsole are prohibited from entering Oaks Academy, in Maidstone, where their four children are pupils.

The written order was issued after 40-year-old Mr Shrubsole was involved in a series of rows with staff, including head teacher Debbie Biggenden.

He admitted he raised his voice on several occasions when he went to the office to discuss his concerns about the youngsters' welfare.

The part-time workman, of Camp Way, said his children became embroiled in a feud with other adult relatives that spilled into the playground.

He said: "I was worried about a few things that had happened. My daughters were barged into and one of them was pushed into a wall.

"I know I shouldn't have got angry or raised my voice but like any parent, I want to know my children are safe and I felt like nothing was being done."

He and wife Sally, 37, were told they were no longer welcome at Oaks Academy in a letter.

Academies Enterprise Trust, which oversees Oaks Academy, said its high expectations of good behaviour applied to everyone who teaches, studies or visits the Oaktree Avenue school.

Parents Robin and Sally Shrubsole had to watch their children's sports day through the school gates
Parents Robin and Sally Shrubsole had to watch their children's sports day through the school gates

A spokesman said: "Reluctantly we havehad to take action following a series of incidents which will not be tolerated.

"They have not been 'banned' from the school premises, but will be admitted through agreed appointments."

Mr Shrubsole says he has attempted to apologise, but insists a ban remains in place.

He is due to undergo anger management training in the next few weeks.

The couple said they rely on friends to accompany Caroline, 10, Bobby, eight, Sally-Ann, six, and four-year-old Shian to class or they have to ring a bell and wait for them to be collected by staff.

The enforcement meant the couple were not able to join other parents for last week's sports day.

Mr Shrubsole said: "We had to watch through the gates. It was really tough not to be there with them."

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