Children at Eythorne and Elvington Primary School have spoken out against parents smoking and using inappropriate language at the school gates.

In a message in the school’s weekly newsletter it stated that the school council had raised the issue and asked parents to stop.

Liz Bird, executive head teacher, explained that it was only a very small number of parents smoking outside the school premises but the children felt this was wrong.

She said: “I think it shows that actually children have an extremely acute sense of right and wrong. If they think there’s something going on that’s not right they make sure they put it right.

“They also mentioned some bad language that they were hearing and they felt it was not good for the little children who would pick up bad language.”

The pupil's council is held at the school in Adelaide Road, Elvington near Dover, once a week with a representative from each class. During the session, the children told the head they felt that a mention in the newsletter would help to make a difference.

It read: “The school council have mentioned that parents are smoking and using inappropriate language when waiting at the school gates. We ask that smoking takes place well away from the school and appropriate language is used in the vicinity.”

Mrs Bird added: “Our school council is a really important part of school life and we give them responsibilities which is very important.

“I think this is showing that our children are very aware of how to keep themselves safe and how to keep others safe.”

She explained that the last Ofsted report said pupil’s behaviour was outstanding and especially the way they understand about safeguarding, and this reflects that.

Mrs Bird, who is also head of Sibertswold Primary in Shepherdswell said, she is unsure whether the notice to parents has made a difference yet but hopes it will make them think twice about their behaviour.