AN ANGRY headteacher today appealed to yobs "stay away from our school", after nearly 50 windows were smashed in a vandalism rampage.

Stones and rocks were left scattered round the site of Derwent Junior and Derwent Infant schools after louts pelted them at classrooms causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Head teacher Carole Tarode, who was forced to send nursery pupils home because broken glass was showered across their classrooms, said: "This mindless vandalism has had an impact on the whole community.

"We would like to appeal to the better nature of the people responsible for this incident and ask them PLEASE to respect the children, hard-working staff and our school."

The vicious attack is the second outbreak of vandalism in five months, after a gang wrecked a millennium garden, smashing fences and uprooting benches in October.

Parents of the 52 nursery pupils had to keep their children at home yesterday and today because shards of glass were scattered all over their toys and equipment.

Glaziers are making repairs and putting in new windows and the damage is expected to cost around £3,500 to put right.

Windows at the junior school were also damaged, but pupils have been moved to other classrooms while work is completed.

Ms Tarode urged people living in the area to be vigilant to help stop further attacks, adding there were strong links between the school and community.

A gang of youths is thought to have got on to the site in Osbaldwick Lane through a gap in broken railings at the weekend.

School business manager Carol Tuck said: "There was a substantial amount of damage and we had to bring in extra cleaners to help staff clear up all the glass.

"The caretaker found lots of boulders and rocks around the site so it seems like vandals have gone on the rampage.

"We decided to close the nursery because of the extent of the damage and we are thoroughly cleaning up the classrooms.

"All the toy boxes and play equipment are being brushed and washed because we can't risk even a small shard of glass being left anywhere inside."

"It is going to be difficult for some working parents, who will now have to find someone to look after their children until we reopen tomorrow."

Pc Steve Ayres, of Fulford Road Police Station, said: "This is a nasty attack on a school which is well respected."

Updated: 10:16 Tuesday, March 28, 2006