A Coventry headteacher has issued a statement after one of her pupils brought a knife into, leaving his young classmates 'scared.' Police were called to the incident at Whitmore Park Primary School in Keresley on Friday (March 21).

Headteacher Jacqueline McGibney told CoventryLive that the young boy had arrived with a closed utility knife he had found. His teacher confiscated the weapon once the child was in the classroom and there were no reported injuries.

Officials at Coventry City Council and West Midlands Police were informed, and 'necessary' safeguarding procedures were followed, Ms McGibney said. Police have today (March 25) deemed the incident 'non-malicious.'

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Ms McGibney said they have also followed their behaviour policy regarding the incident but did not say whether the boy had been disciplined. She said protecting the young people in her care was 'absolutely paramount.'

In a statement to CoventryLive, Ms McGibney said: “One of our pupils arrived on Friday morning with a closed utility knife that they had found. Nobody was threatened or injured.

“We involved Coventry City Council and West Midlands Police and have followed all of the necessary safeguarding processes. Police have attended Whitmore Park Primary School and deemed the issue to be non-malicious. We have followed our behaviour policy in relation to this incident.”

Ms McGibney continued: “Everyone has a role to play in protecting our young people, including teachers, parents and the community. I would like to stress that the welfare of our schoolchildren and school community is absolutely paramount, and we will be looking at any enhancements to our curriculum and utilising support from our partner agencies.”

A spokesman for West Midlands Police added: “We have spoken to the child about the dangers of carrying knives and advised on what he should do if he ever finds himself in a similar situation. We are supporting Whitmore Park Primary School and have liaised with other agencies.”

Did your child see what happened? Email: jaspreet.kaur@reachplc.com

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