Exclusive:Fir Vale Academy parents pull children out after violent incident sparks safety fears
It is understood a fight broke out between students
Parents have withdrawn their children from Fir Vale Academy following a violent incident that prompted a major police response, with some families saying they no longer feel the school is safe.
South Yorkshire Police were called to the academy on Owler Lane, in Fir Vale, Sheffield, on February 26 after reports of disorder on school grounds.
It is understood a fight broke out between students, leaving a number of people with minor injuries and one member of staff requiring hospital treatment.
In an update, police confirmed that no arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and said investigations remain ongoing.
The force added it is working with the school and Youth Justice Service to ensure appropriate action is taken against those involved in or encouraging disorder.
In the aftermath, one parent told The Star they had taken the decision to remove their children from the school.
The parent said they felt they had no choice, describing the environment as no longer safe, and claimed other families had done the same.
They said: “Taking them out of school has forced them away from their friends, and means a much longer journey to school.
“It is the last thing I wanted to do but I felt I had no choice.
“I don’t feel like my children are safe anymore.”
As the community organiser at the Sheffield Grand Mosque, Mustafa Ali Ahmed works with young people across the local community.
Speaking to The Star, he explained that many of these concerns have also been raised with him.
“This is not the first incident, many incidents have happened before,
“Fir Vale used to be one of the best schools.
“Many residents in the area have removed their kids from this school as they don’t feel safe - no one wants to get the phone call about their child saying ‘sorry he’s lost his life because there was a fight or stabbing’.
“I also wonder - do the staff feel safe to come to work in the school?”
Mustafa said he wants to hear from the authorities on the action that has been taken.
He shared his own concerns about the lack of youth provisions in the area.
“What action has been taken by the local council?
“So many buildings in the area have been closed - for example, this youth centre outside the school has been shut.
“We need to get the youth off the street and more places to open for the young people.
“They need more things like that again, and it would reduce this antisocial behaviour,” he added.
Sheffield City Council said it is aware of concerns raised by parents and is in close contact with Fir Vale Academy.
A spokesperson said the safety of students and staff remains the top priority, with the school working alongside the council and South Yorkshire Police to support safety on and around the site.
The council added it is working jointly with police and community groups to respond to issues of anti-social behaviour, with a focus on supporting families and ensuring young people feel safe, included and supported.
A spokesperson for United Learning, the trust which runs the school, said: “The school is very grateful to its parents, staff and students who have been extremely supportive since the regrettable incident earlier this term.
“The school has taken the strongest possible action and steps against students who were directly involved in the incident.
“The school continues to work hard on its upward trajectory of improvement.”