Wamberal Public School: Drop off rules changed after parent backlash
New rules preventing parents from walking their children inside the main grounds of Wamberal Public School have been eased after concerned parents spoke out.
Central Coast
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Strict rules preventing parents into the main school grounds to drop off and pick up children at Wamberal Public School have been eased.
Principal Paul Miller issued a note this morning advising parents that they can now walk children inside the main school grounds to their designated areas. They are also able to pick them up from the school’s quadrangle.
It comes after parents spoke up about strict changes introduced in January preventing them from entering the main school grounds at drop off and pick up times.
Last year, parents and carers were allowed to walk children to either classrooms or the Covered Outside Learning Area (COLA). This year they were told they would be restricted to a “family meeting area” at the front of the school.
Parents told the Express the move had shut parents out of the school and created anxiety among many students who felt as though their parents weren’t welcome. They said the move came with no parents consultation.
Parents were initially informed the move was made for security reasons, however there hasn’t been any reported security issues or violence at the school.
The note issued to parents today stated there was “a range of viewpoints” over the changes.
“There were some aspects of the transition to school arrangements that had improved operations as well as a number of aspects where the intended outcome was not achieved,” the letter said.
“We appreciate this may have upset some parents and families and regret this, as this was not our intention. The school and Wamberal P & C are committed to working collaboratively on this matter to support the school community.”
Central Coast P & C Council president Sharryn Brownlee previously criticised the new rules, describing them as “ludicrous and unworkable”.
“There were no issues or concerns which would have led to this decision,” she said.
A spokesman from the Department of Education said parents can support students buy following the advice about where to drop off and pick up students.
“The Department has received correspondence from a small number of families and will work with them to ensure they are comfortable with the school drop off and pick up arrangements,” he said.