Bradford school's letter to parents over danger driving and e-scooters

Appleton Academy, Wyke, has received a number of complaints about law-breaking driving habits and unacceptable behaviour.

Executive headteacher Helen Jones said there had been several incidents of parents dropping their children off on e-scooters and “deliberately driving at parents and staff”. 

It comes as the school is increasingly becoming a target for bicycle theft by thieves on mopeds.

In the letter, Ms Jones said: “We would like to remind parents, students and visitors about a number of site rules and expectations at Appleton Academy. 

Appleton Academy celebrating after being rated 'good' by Ofsted in 2022 - executive headteacher Helen Jones, pictured

“We are receiving a growing number of complaints from other parents, and from neighbours who live in properties adjacent to the Academy, about instances of unacceptable behaviour on the part of drivers and visitors to the school site. 

“Some of this behaviour is breaking the law, all of it is causing disruption and is potentially putting your children, our students, in harms’ way.”

Parents were urged not to park on double yellow lines, permit holder bays, or across drives and access roads. 

There was also a message about some parents’ decisions to smoke or vape on the school property - including outside in the playgrounds, car park, and footpaths leading to and from the building.

The letter reads: “If the drop off car park is full, you must continue to loop around the car park and the filter lane. Those choosing to park in a way that causes inconvenience or may be breaking the law, are subject to enforcement action. More covert monitoring of this issue will be undertaken in the future and could lead to fines and penalties being issued on an increasing basis.

“We would like to remind parents that you must not bring any type of vehicle onto the Academy footpaths and walkways. This includes, electric and motor engine powered scooters and mopeds, electric bikes and motorcycle style modes of transport, as well as all push powered bicycles and scooters.

“There have been several instances of late of parents dropping off and picking up children on this style of transport. Incredibly, in some cases, we have had people coming to site on scooters and bikes and deliberately driving at parents and staff who have asked them not to come on to the footpath. This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.”

The headteacher also raised concerns about bicycle theft. 

“Unfortunately, the Academy is increasingly being targeted by thieves who are coming onto site using mopeds and attempting to steal bicycles. There have been two actual instances of theft and several of people on mopeds driving to the bike shed to look for unsecured bicycles.

“We would once again remind parents that children bring property and bicycles onto site at their own risk and we will not be held responsible for the safe keeping of their belongings while they are on site.”

She added: "We would like to thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation."