A primary school headteacher has been forced to take a stand against "inconsiderate" parking from parents just days into the new school year.

Karen Cromwell, who has been headteacher of Sherwood Park Primary School in Sidcup for three years, has written a letter to parents asking them to be careful about where they park when they take their children to school.

At the beginning of the letter, Mrs Cromwell addresses mums, dads and carers, and asks them not to read the letter if they park considerately and safely.

For those who continue reading, Mrs Cromwell says she “will not apologise for starting the school year with a ‘moan’.”

She then says she has already received complaints from the school’s neighbours who have been unable to get out of their driveways because parents have parked across them.

Mrs Cromwell has asked parents to “stop this potentially dangerous and inconsiderate behaviour.”

Speaking to News Shopper, she added there have been incidents in the past where parents have driven onto the pavement to park, and “narrowly missing children” in the process.

“You have got to do something to grab people’s attention,” the headteacher said.

“My priority has got to be their safety.”

After sending the message out to parents, Mrs Cromwell also wrote to neighbours to apologise on behalf of the drivers.

Mrs Cromwell told News Shopper: “Some of the parents are very much onboard, and I’ve had a couple of emails from neighbours thanking me.”

Since the letter was sent out, a team of teachers from the school has also been patrolling outside during drop-off and pick-up time to make sure parents are parking responsibly.

“Things seem to have calmed down outside now,” she said, adding she hopes parents have paid attention to her message.

“I don’t want to moan to all the parents, as the vast majority park responsibly,” she added.

In July, a Kent county councillor said dangerous parking and behaviour outside schools "should become a criminal offence just like not wearing a seat belt or drink-driving.”