A major police search was launched after two young girls went missing from an Aberdeenshire primary school for three hours.
The two eight-year-olds slipped out of the playground at Aboyne Primary, with teachers raising the alarm after they failed to come into class after lunch.
Three police units immediately began looking for the youngsters, who were eventually found next to the River Dee.
Now parents at the school have been issued with a letter about safety and security, but made no reference to any disappearances.
Last night, a concerned parent, accused the school of trying to “hush up” Monday’s incident.
The school, which has about 300 pupils, is currently being extended and part of the playground is out of action due to the building works.
The mum claimed: “There’s 300 kids expected to play in this tiny playground, they just don’t have enough room.”
Aboyne councillor Geva Blackett was horrified to hear the youngsters had gone missing, and raised the matter urgently with director of education, Maria Walker.
She said last night: “I am extremely relieved that the two little girls were found safe and sound.
“After speaking to the director of education I have been assured that the procedures and safety of all pupils will be looked at again – as happens after any incident of any nature.
“If necessary they will be reviewed and I will be discussing the matter with the head teacher at the earliest opportunity.”
Councillor Peter Argyle, who was not aware of the incident, added: “The council will no doubt take this very seriously. Aboyne is an extremely good school and as a parent I can only imagine the concern the parents are feeling at the moment.”
The school, on Morven Place, is less than a mile from the River Dee.
It is not clear if the girls were found by police or other members of the search party.
The scare comes just two months after two-year-old Jacob McIntyre drowned in the River Ericht after going missing from his home near Bridge of Cally.
A police spokeswoman said: “”We did receive a concerned call on Monday from Aboyne Primary in relation to two eight-year-old girls who had failed to return to school after the lunch break.
“They were traced safe and well a short time later in the local area.”
A council spokeswoman said: “I understand the police were involved, but the girls were found safe and well.”
