'We would hate to have an empty desk in our classroom because a child has had a terrible accident.'
Those are the words of children from Kinsale Junior and Infant Schools in an open letter pleading with their own parents to drive safely.
It comes after years of parking problems around Kinsale Avenue, which staff say have been 'escalating' recently.
That despite constant reminders from both schools for parents and carers to park legally and take greater care during the school run.
Louise Robinson, head of Kinsale Infant, and Carolyn Baxter, head of Kinsale Junior, conceded problems are being cause by a small minority of drivers, but expressed their frustration that the message is not getting across.
'There is really limited parking in the road at the end of the access of both the schools,' said Miss Robinson. 'For the parents it is challenging to find anywhere to park and drop off the children and as a result, unfortunately some parents and carers have been seen parking illegally or in a dangerous position, which is putting children at risk. 'We frequently remind parents they need to park legally or find an alternative place to park and walk a short distance to get the children to school. I understand it is a challenge for parents. We would like to encourage them to walk every day but sometimes they have to have their vehicle.'
Mrs Baxter added some children come from as far afield at Horsford, but said the school should be spending its time education the pupils, not their parents.
'We accept there are children who can't come to the school in any other way than their parent or carer driving them,' she said. 'It is a small minority and it is a perennial problem, but we need to work together to solve this issue. 'It is hugely frustrating. We are investing our time on an issue which is not helping children succeed in their own learning.
'We are here to raise children's attainment, not to be teaching parents and carers what they should know already, but choose to ignore.'
The letter to parents and carers, written and signed by the junior school council, was echoed by one parent, who asked not to be named.
'Parking around here is horrendous,' said the 43-year-old. 'There has already been an incident of a child being knocked over, but there have also been so many near misses that we have taken pictures of and sent to the police. 'I have seen parents on the phone, and have had to push children out of the way. I know this affects all schools, but this road for me is an absolute nightmare. 'It is an area waiting for serious accident.'
Open letter to the parents and carers at Kinsale Junior and Infant schools
Dear Parents/Carers
We are solemnly writing to you about how deeply worried we are about the parking crisis in Kinsale Avenue and around Kinsale Schools.
We would hate to have an empty desk in our classroom because a child has had a terrible accident caused by reckless driving or parking. One moment of recklessness could cause a lifetime of misery.
We thank the vast majority of parents/carers who are driving and parking safely but we need the small minority to do the same.
We hope this letter has pulled at your heartstrings and if you are one of the small minority we hope you will change your driving ways.
Yours sincerely
The School Council
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