Students at Werrington Country Public School in Western Sydney near Penrith have reportedly been forced to urinate in communal buckets inside a storeroom closet whilst a school lockdown was in force.
On Monday the primary school was put into an emergency lockdown after an incident with a student sparked safety concerns.
The school was locked down for approximately two hours according to a letter to parents and carers from the school’s principal Belinda Clarke. However, parents of the students that attend Werrington Country public school dispute the timeframe.
One mother named Amanda spoke to 2GB radio, “our children were put into a lockdown at about 11 o’clock, at the start of recess, and they were in lockdown until 3pm. Until they finished school.
NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell was not impressed with what occurred saying it was “totally unacceptable” and “not in line with normal protocol”.
“There are a lot of protocols that clearly appear to have not been followed here, which is why this needs to be fully investigated immediately,” she said.
“Even in lockdown situations, there is normally a process where students can be escorted to the bathroom safely.”
“I’ve never heard of having to make students go to the toilet in a bucket – it is not acceptable”.
Shadow Minister for Education Prue Car was also concerned about the situation.
“It is just incredible that this happened.”
“Imagine your child coming home and telling you that. It is shocking.”
