Parents are pleading with a school to “use some common sense” after it confirmed children will still be given detentions for lateness - despite chaotic roadworks plaguing a town.

The North School in Ashford says any pupils who arrive after 8.40am will be punished, as is its usual policy.

But frustrated mums and dads have called for leniency, as seven different road closures or temporary lights continue to cause gridlock in the area.

Others have said the strict ruling is a good lesson in timekeeping for “real life”.

An email sent out by school bosses states: “We are currently aware of the roadworks taking place in Ashford.

“Please be aware the expectation for pupils to arrive at school on time is still in place.

“Any children who arrive after 8.40am will receive a detention as per our school policy.

“We kindly ask that you allow more time for your journey to factor in the delays that may be caused from these roadworks.”

Some parents have vented their anger on social media.

Kitfee Lamont said: “Some common sense and allowances for this problem - which the whole of Ashford is having issues with - need to be implemented.

“If everyone leaves early, it will be no different as it will be the same amount of traffic causing the delays.”

Liam Evans added: “Schools need to do better and think outside the box.

“They are putting pressure on youngsters and parents for an obvious bad situation that was no fault of their own.

“Kids going to school knowing that they will be punished because of something they cannot help will not lead to healthy learning.”

Others have labelled the policy “ridiculous” and even suggested teachers get detentions too if they do not make it into work on time.

Yesterday, KentOnline reported on the traffic chaos around Ashford.

It stems from both Kennington Road (A2070) and Newtown Road in Ashford closing for gas works on Monday.

As well as this, motorists will continue to face heavy delays until Saturday (March 8) on A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road.

It comes after National Highways closed one lane on both carriageways for “upgrades” heading towards the Bellamy Gurner four-way junction.

Part of nearby Barrey Road and Church Road in Sevington has also shut in both directions while UK Power Networks carries out electrical works until April 25.

This is alongside an ongoing rolling road closure in Stanhope Road until the end of the month, plus engineers from UK Power Networks carrying out repairs to its underground electricity network in Bank Street.

Today, Newtown Road reopened to help ease the strain, but temporary lights remain in place.

Despite the uproar, some residents see the school’s rules as a good learning opportunity for children.

Jamie Weatherall said: “Schools have to somewhat mimic real life and a good lesson to learn.

“Is traffic an excuse to turn up late to your job? Your employer, in most cases, won’t accept that.”

Similarly, Chris Galton wrote: “Quite right too. When kids leave school and go to work, they will be expected to get to work on time.

“Everyone knows that sometimes things happen that can't be helped.

“But everyone knows the traffic is heavy and journey times will take longer.”

However, Debs Apland pointed out: “Employers don’t give detention when you’re late due to traffic chaos.”

The North School, which is based in Essella Road, has been contacted for comment.