A primary school in Leeds has decided to completely close its car park to anyone picking up their children after parents were seen becoming embroiled in angry spats where foul language was used in full view of pupils.
A majority of the arguments at Adel Primary School, on Tile Lane in north Leeds, were over the availability of car parking spaces and police have been informed.
The closure of the car park came into effect on Monday, July 1, which now means that only staff and visitors are allowed to park their cars on school grounds to protect 'the safety of pupils'.
Headteacher Julie Cordingley sent a text to parents, in which instances of 'intimidating behaviour and foul language' were cited as the main reasons for the closure, although the decision was also taken after children were also been involved in 'near misses' with speeding cars near the school gates.
'There have been unpleasant scenes with parents displaying intimidating behaviour and using foul language'
The text said: "There have been unpleasant scenes with parents arguing over parking spaces, displaying intimidating behaviour and using foul language - all of which have been witnessed by children.
"There will be no access to the turning circle and parents will not be able to enter the car park at any time to drop off or pick up children."
The issues have reportedly been happening throughout the entire school year and the car park will initially be closed on a trail basis - but there are suggestions it could be closed permanently from September 2019 onwards.
Phil Mellen, deputy director for learning, children and families at Leeds City Council, said: "Schools are always looking to balance the needs of the community and parents, but the safety of pupils at all times is of paramount importance and must always come first."
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