ANGRY parents claim there is a lack of support being given to Galashiels’ largest primary school.

Last week the Border Telegraph revealed that police are regularly called to Langlee Primary to deal with incidents – during March these included attacks on teachers and absconding children.

Community policeman PC Roger Changleng revealed the extent of the problem at a recent meeting of Langlee Residents Association meeting.

He told members that officers had visited the school on “three or four occasions” to speak to youngsters about rowdy behaviour and most weeks at least one child absconds from class.

Now concerned parents have hit out at cutbacks and say the school is being let down.

One mother, whose three children attend the school told us: “I feel sorry for everybody really. The school does a great job, but it it is being failed. It does not have the full support of the education department. 

“I think about one in seven kids are on the autistic spectrum and I don’t think many are being diagnosed or supported properly. Additional needs teachers were cut back last year, so the support that was there a couple of years ago isn’t there now.

“Obviously with it being the biggest primary school in Galashiels, there probably is going to be a little bit more trouble, but these cutbacks are continuously affecting schools.

“This isn’t just a problem at Langlee, we are seeing these problems right across the country. 

“I don’t think there is enough support for additional needs teachers.

“Everybody is suffering. Every child has a right to a good education and there doesn’t seem to be any respect at the moment.”

Education bosses declined to add to the statement they issued last week, but insisted they were working closely with staff and pupils to ensure they are being supported.

Scottish Borders Council said: “We have been working proactively with Langlee Primary to support staff, pupils and parents/carers in relation to some instances of inappropriate behaviours. 

“This includes putting additional protocols in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all who attend the school.

“We are continuing to monitor the situation, providing guidance and support as required.”