I write in response to your piece about the chemical spill at Cardinal Newman school (The Argus, September 21).

I have three children at the school – two in year 12 and one in year 10 – and am incredulous at the reaction of some parents claiming the school did not react appropriately.

I was informed of the incident, which happened at about 10am, at 11.29am via email. News had been posted on Facebook and the school’s website prior to that.

The priority of the staff had to be with the children and teacher affected. The reason other students were kept in their classrooms was so the emergency services could check the school for safety unhindered by 2,000 excited teenagers.

I am confident that an investigation will be carried out and measures put in place to minimise the risk of it recurring. In the meantime, stop criticising the school. Dr Kilmartin and his team dealt with a very difficult situation extremely well and I wish to extend my thanks to them for continuing to keep my children safe.

Louise Markanday, Crest Way, Portslade

I think the school acted accordingly and diplomatically to this scary situation. The message I received from my daughter (kept in her classroom) reassured me that she was fine and not in hospital.

Well done to the fast response and quick thinking of all teachers concerned to stop a serious situation becoming a lot worse.

Sheena Hewens, Meadowview, Brighton