A MUM says her young daughter has lost her Christmas “sparkle” after being sent home before her school disco.

Regular transport to pick up ten-year-old Leah Oakley from St Andrew’s Junior School in Colchester arrived just before the annual party last Thursday, even though mum Vikki had cancelled it.

She said Leah’s teacher insisted she had to take the taxi, organised by Essex County Council, which took her to her aunt’s house in High Woods, even though she was not there.

Headteacher Richard Nitsche said the mother had not informed the school of her plans and that the teacher would have been irresponsible to let her stay.

However, Mrs Oakley, of Geoff Seaden Close, Hythe, said Leah believed she had misbehaved and had “lost her Christmas sparkle” as a result.

“She had got a sparkly pretty outfit and was looking forward to it.,” said Mrs Oakley.

“They all got changed at school and the festivities started, but then Leah’s school transport turned up.

“Her teacher said she had got to leave.

“My daughter was absolutely distraught because all her friends were dressed up and were going to join the festivities.”

She added, the taxi took Leah to her aunt’s house.

“My sister was not home at the time, and the taxi had driven off and left my daughter at the door,” she said.

“Thankfully, my sister walked round the corner about five minutes later and got Leah in from the cold.

“It could have been dangerous.”

Mr Nitsche said: “I am sorry that Leah was upset to miss the Christmas disco.

“This disappointment could have been avoided, however, if Leah’s parents had informed the school that they wanted us to ignore her usual transport arrangements.

“Unfortunately, this did not happen, so when her taxi arrived at the usual time we ensured she got in and headed home.

“We take the safety of our pupils extremely seriously at St Andrew’s, and it would have been completely irresponsible of us to keep Leah at school without her parents’ authorisation.”