Parents receive ‘alarming’ text after incident involving pupil near Scots high school

Parents of students at Penicuik High School in Midlothian were left feeling concerned after an ‘alarming’ text message was sent following an incident near the school premises. The text, received on Tuesday morning, urged pupils to return to school if they felt unsafe or threatened. According to a spokesperson from Midlothian Council, the incident involved a pupil who was allegedly threatened by someone from another school. Instead of reporting the incident to school staff, the pupil left the premises.

Several parents contacted Edinburgh Live expressing their worry after receiving the text message. Some parents mentioned that they were hesitant to send their children to school until they were reassured that the situation was under control. One parent described the situation as “alarming” and expressed frustration at the lack of information provided by the school when contacted for clarification.

The school’s message advised students to return to school if they felt unsafe and mentioned that further guidance would be provided to parents. A spokesperson from Midlothian Council explained that the text was a reminder for students to seek assistance from staff if they felt threatened, especially after the recent incident on school grounds. The council reassured parents that additional guidance would be shared to help pupils know how to respond in similar situations in the future.

In response to the concerns raised by parents, the council emphasized the importance of student safety and assured that steps were being taken to address the incident and provide support to the school community. It is crucial for schools to maintain open communication with parents and ensure a safe environment for students to learn and thrive.

As incidents like these can be distressing for both students and parents, it is essential for schools to handle such situations promptly and transparently. Parental involvement and support play a significant role in ensuring the well-being of students and maintaining a safe educational environment. Schools must continue to prioritise communication and safety measures to address concerns and strengthen trust within the school community.