A heavy police presence outside Gilmerton Primary has caused concern for one parent

A concerned parent has said that a heavy police presence outside Gilmerton Primary School could act as a deterrent for children attending school from vulnerable backgrounds.

Officers have been in regular attendance at the school following a dispute involving parents and parking.

But one parent has said that they worry about children with negative experiences of the police and said that they may be put off from attending school or being distracted when in class thinking that something may go wrong.

The parent wishes to remain anonymous so as not to upset their relationship with the school, said: “If I were to go to school and see several police cars and officers then I’d have turned right back around and went home.

Stock shot of Police officers. Police Scotland.

“For a lot of young people their experiences with the police have not been positive because of what is happening at home. Their presence also means that some parents, who are not comfortable with the police, will choose to not walk their child to school.

“I understand the car issue is a serious one at the school gates but surely we can come up with a plan that does not make our schools look like crime scenes? Kids will watch the news and television - so they know that a lot of police officers in one place is rarely good.

“We have to start thinking about what sort of message this is sending our kids.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson, said: "We get regular complaints with regard to vehicles parked at schools at dropping off times and have issued a number of messages/advice on social media re this.

"As a result of the complaints, officers, as part of their local patrols, will attend schools at pertinent times to provide assistance. Their attendance is well received and supported by local parents/teachers at the school and residents in the area.

"This has nothing to do with a breach of coronavirus guidelines."

They added: "We have had no complaints about the police presence at schools adversely affecting children's attendance. On the contrary people have been complimentary as we are there to make sure people, particularly pupils, are safe getting to and from the school. However, if any one has any concerns then they can contact the police or the school."

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.