Letter to Parents 18/03/2025

Dear parents and carers,

Your child may have notified you of an incident which occurred earlier today involving the actions of a pupil. Very few pupils were involved but understandably some concerned pupils have asked questions regarding what happened, often based on information they have heard. The pupils are fine, and the parents/ carers of pupils involved have been informed. Whilst information may circulate, including online, please be assured that the matter is being dealt with.

The police are already involved, and we are working with them as they take appropriate action.

Staff responded rapidly and effectively, and we are investigating the incident thoroughly. The school day was unaffected. To the responsible and mature pupils who reported concerns to a member of staff, well done and thank you.

It is important to reassure you that at Swanshurst we will not tolerate any conduct which undermines our values and culture, or which makes anyone feel unsafe. Our values and standards are at the core of what makes our school an exceptional place to learn and thrive.

I also want to ask for your attention and action regarding your child’s activity online and/or social media, if they use it. This is because the issue we have dealt with today began on social media and sadly continued in school.

We all have a responsibility to keep children safe online but your role as parents is especially important, as time at home is when your child is more engaged with online content. To support the work we do in school, you should regularly monitor and check your child’s social media and online activity. This is the best way to fully support and educate your child on how to stay safe online, how to spot risks and what to do when something needs to be reported to an adult or, in some cases, the police.

If you or your child see anything online which concerns you, please report it to staff or via the SHARP system. If you or your child see anything online which may pose a risk to someone, report it to the police.

We would like to reassure all our families and pupils that we will take decisive and robust action. We will update and reassure pupils in tutor time and assemblies tomorrow.

Yours faithfully,

Mr M Dunn
Head Teacher

Ms S Fletcher
Deputy Head Teacher