A HAMPSHIRE school has been accused of “punishing” children as young as four by scrapping a disco after teachers were criticised on social media.

Ashley Infant School in New Milton axed the eagerly-awaited event after governors claimed that parents had made “derogatory” remarks about a reward scheme for pupils.

Last night furious families condemned the “Scrooge-like” decision, saying the disco’s demise had left their children distraught.

One mum, who asked not to be named, said: “We received a text message saying the governors had cancelled the event due to comments made by parents on Facebook.

“I’d like to know what authority they have to punish children so severely when the pupils themselves have done nothing to warrant it? I think the decision was absolutely barbaric.

“Children have been left devastated because the governors opted to punish infant school pupils instead of reprimanding the parents for any derogatory comments made.

“Punishing minors is not acceptable or forgiveable and I feel a public apology is required.”

Another parent added: “It wasn’t a Christmas do as such but cancelling a celebration at this time of year is even worse than it would have been otherwise. I think the governors are behaving like Scrooge.”

The disco was devised as a reward for children who had completed 60 reading assignments at home with their parents.

But one mum went on Facebook and asked: “Do you think it’s a good/bad idea for an infant school to expect you to fill in a reading journal 60 times a term in order for your child to receive a ticket to a celebration.”

One of the parents who replied described the reward scheme as “ridiculous” and another commented: “Way too much pressure on child and parent.”

The disco invitation was subsequently extended to all pupils, but the event was scrapped just before it was due to take place on Wednesday.

Kelly Lacey, whose five-year-old daughter Lillie-Jo attends the school, said the decision was unfair and left many children in tears.

"The children have worked really hard and to turn round and break their hearts in this way is just wrong."

She added: "I've never had a problem with the school before, it's a brilliant school, but this was unfair."

One mum said: “The children were very upset. They’d taken their party clothes to school and were all geared up for the celebration when it was called off at very short notice.

“The school is punishing the children for remarks made by some of the parents.

“It was a rash decision. The happiness and welfare of the pupils should always be at the forefront of any decision made by the staff and governors.”

Asked about the Facebook comments she said: “There were no names or abusive remarks, but some members of staff seem to have taken the comments personally.”

Deputy head teacher Lucy Howe said she fully supported the governors’ decision to cancel the event.

She added: “We will not tolerate parents making negative and derogatory comments about our school and our teachers on Facebook.

“We have a zero-tolerance attitude and hope the decision will send a message to parents that we won’t put up with that sort of behaviour.”

In a letter to parents the governors say cancelling the 60 Reads Celebration was a difficult decision but add: “It was essential in supporting our staff and school against negative and unkind comments on social media. We feel really disappointed that parents have chosen to air their concerns in such a negative way on such a public forum.”