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Parents Laura and Nick Dono pull children out of Twydall Primary School after son is bitten

Parents have pulled all three of their children out of a school after their son was bitten in the lunch queue.

Nine-year-old Bobby was waiting for his food at Twydall Primary School when he was said to have been slapped on the head by another pupil and then left with a wound to his back which drew blood.

His mum Laura Dono was called by office staff and dad Nick went straight down to the school.

Bobby Downing-Dono, 9, was bitten at school. Pictured with mum and dad Laura and Nick. Picture: Steve Crispe
Bobby Downing-Dono, 9, was bitten at school. Pictured with mum and dad Laura and Nick. Picture: Steve Crispe

The 29-year-old spoke to assistant head teacher Cormac Murphy, as the head Ann Pratt was unavailable.

"I just wanted a bit of communication but the head was defensive. They were obviously frightened I was going to take action against them and I felt like they were being obstructive" - Mr Dono

He was told the accused boy would be put in internal exclusion away from the other pupils.

Mr Dono, of Crundale Road, Twydall, said: “I asked Mrs Pratt to contact us so that we could speak with her but she didn’t.

“I feel a head teacher should be giving the parents of a child who was assaulted at her school a courtesy call at least.”

Mr Dono, a site co-ordinator on the London Underground, went back to the school, which is in special measures but is making some improvements. He requested the photos they took of his son’s injury but they would not provide him with copies.

An altercation between him and the head teacher followed and Mr Dono was asked to leave the premises.

“I admit I was angry, I just wanted a bit of communication but the head was defensive. They were obviously frightened I was going to take action against them and I felt like they were being obstructive.

Video: Parents pull children out of school after bite

“We have a reasonable expectation that our children will be taught in a safe environment, where they do not feel bullied.

“Should anything untoward occur then it should be treated transparently, with a full explanation into what steps will be taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

The bite Bobby received
The bite Bobby received

Mr and Mrs Dono said they were given no such assurances so Bobby, along with his twin brother Frankie and sister Rosie, were transferred to Featherby Junior School within a few days.

Mr Dono said: “The children liked their teachers at Twydall and have friends there.

“It was a difficult decision to make but after everything we didn’t feel safe with the children in that school.”

Mrs Pratt said: “Twydall Primary is a friendly community school in which children enjoy learning and get on well with their peers. Of course children do sometimes fall out with their friends and in this case, the behaviour was unacceptable.

“The situation was dealt with quickly and the necessary action was taken. We were sad to learn that the family took their children to another school but of course we wish the children well in their new classes.”

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