Children and parents looked on in horror as a fight reportedly broke out between two mums at a school reception.

Staff had to intervene when tempers flared between two women at Elaine Primary Academy as youngsters were being dropped off on Monday morning.

Police were called to the fracas at about 8.45am and an internal inquiry has been launched.

Head teacher, Dean Brewer has written to parents saying: "We were really disappointed on Monday morning. Pupils, parents and staff had to witness totally inappropriate aggressive and unacceptable behaviour from members of our community.

"I wanted to write to all members of our community to send a clear message that this type of conduct is not welcome at Elaine Primary School.

"Any incidents of threatening, abusive or unacceptable behaviour will be dealt with swiftly to ensure our values and safety of pupils and staff are upheld at all times. There is no place for these types of behaviours within our school community, we will not hesitate to ban any members of the community from our site if they display any inappropriate behaviours or do not share or model our values.

"Our staff work tirelessly to ensure we place education and high-quality teaching and learning at the heart of the school of choice within the school community. We want to actively work with families that display and role model the following values: Respect, Responsibility, Excellence, Friendship, Collaboration, Resilience.

"There is no place for these types of behaviours within our school community..." Head teacher Dean Brewer

"We urge all families to follow our pupils in demonstrating these values daily."

One mum, who did not want to be named, said: "This is shocking. What sort of example is it setting our children. You expect to send your children off to school and be in a safe environment.

"Some are saying the women had to be restrained and staff had to get the children out the way. I shall be looking to take my son away from that school."

Police spokesman, Andy Saunders, said:"We were was called at 8.45am on February 4 to a disturbance at a school in Elaine Avenue, Strood. It is reported that two women were involved in an altercation on the school premises. Officers are investigating allegations of assault and inquires are ongoing."

Inspire Partnership Academy Trust took over the school in Elaine Avenue in January last year. It followed the Department for Education expressing concern about "well below average" results. It has a school roll of 350 pupils aged between three to 11 and has a unit for children with special needs.