A SCHOOL has defended its policy for placing new starters into reception classes.

Crofton Infant School in Towncourt Lane, Orpington, has informed parents that it is scrapping "friendship groups" used to put pupils into classes with friends from pre-school.

Headteacher Richard Sammonds said the new policy of randomly allocating children means everyone is treated "fairly and equitably".

Rachel Jones has a four-year-old child starting at the school in September and says she may not have chosen Crofton had she known about the change in policy beforehand.

She said: "I received a letter from the school informing me that instead my daughter will be placed with just 'one familiar face' from pre-school.

"As a mum and teacher I know how essential it is for a new starter to walk into their class and see not just one familiar face but a number of friends they like and trust.

"This is essential for their happiness and peace of mind. They have made the first precious friendships of their lives and these will be needlessly thrown aside."

She added: "Many other parents and teachers I have spoken to share this view.

"We are not asking for a large group to join together. Just three close friends that we have selected."

Defending the changes, Mr Sammonds said: "Historically the previous head had allowed parents to nominate friends to go into classes.

"That's okay if you can accommodate all parents' wishes, which we weren't able to.

"The fairest way is to randomly place pupils in classes.

"(The old policy) means other people would have to slot in around these friendship groups which some people didn't feel was fair."

He added: "Many parents are delighted that we have adopted the new policy which is the policy adopted in most schools.

"I phoned many schools to find out their policies."

The school receives a reception intake each September of around 180 pupils across six classes.