PARENTS of children at a Newton Abbot primary school have highlighted a series of problems where they feel their complaints are not being tackled.

A number have taken to social media to air their grievances about Haytor View Community Primary School, particularly allegations of bullying and several incidents which they consider worrying.

Some say their complaints are not being dealt with and are being ‘swept under the carpet’.

One parent told the Mid Devon Advertiser she and several others had taken their children out of the school in Queensway recently since the incidents.

She said: ‘There is a lot going on at the school at the moment and the students and parents are really suffering.

'There’s been a number of serious incidents, which are basically been swept under the carpet by staff and acting head teachers.

‘Parents are left feeling very uneasy and confused.’

She says the school has a high number of children with special educational needs but, she claims, lacks enough teachers trained to deal with them.

It is understood the previous head teacher has recently left the post.

The parent explained an acting head, who has been a teacher at the school, seems to be ‘listening’ to parents.

It is claimed there have been a number of incidents at the school which have contributed to the current dissatisfaction among parents.

These include bullying incidents.

The parent said: ‘My son is autistic and has put himself in danger, climbing a six foot fence and running home because he cannot deal with the bullying that he is receiving.

‘He has done this three times now.

‘As a parent we just want answers.we want to school to thrive.’

Several other parents have described their children as feeling ‘unsettled’ at the school where previously they have enjoyed it.

An Ofsted inspection in 2023 said the 200-pupil school required improvement.

Recently chairman of Governors Robert Doets contacted all parents to thank those who had taken time to go into the school to ‘share their thoughts, raise concerns or offer support’.

But he appealed to those with concerns to contact the school directly rather than air those concerns online.

He wrote: ‘These conversations, whether challenging or encouraging, have been grounded in mutual respect and care for the school and we truly value the open and honest dialogue they’ve allowed.

‘In our view, it’s always more construction to take directly with the school when something is worrying you.

‘While everyone absolutely has the right to express themselves on social media, provided it’s done respectfully and without the singling out of individuals, it’s important to understand that airing concerns online doesn’t activate the school’s complaints process nor does it create opportunities for meaningful resolution.

‘If you have complaints, concerns, questions or even suggestions, please know the door is open.’

A spokesperson for the school said: ‘No formal complaints about the school have been made to us.

'Should parents, or anyone from the school community, wish to raise any concerns we welcome they do so through our complaints procedure so that matters can be resolved as quickly and effectively as possible.

‘The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is our priority, and we follow strict procedures, working closely with partner agencies whenever any concerns are raised.’