A headteacher has called for more action to be taken to increase child safety after a primary school boy was knocked over by a car yesterday morning.

Jane Needle, headteacher of Cliff Lane Primary School in Ipswich, has called for more measures to prevent further incidents outside the school.

Police closed off Cliff Lane after the collision at about 8.40am.

The boy, who was of early school age, was conscious and breathing when officers arrived at the scene.

A police spokeswoman said the boy’s injuries were not thought to be life threatening but that he suffered bruising to the side of his head.

An East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust spokesman said the boy was taken to Ipswich Hospital with a suspected broken collarbone.

There have been problems with parking outside the school, with parents parking on the yellow zig-zag lines, which are illegal to park on. At the end of last term a car crashed into the back of a bus on Cliff Lane.

Mrs Needle said the situation was a “constant concern,” and added: “A lot of people are out and about.

“If people don’t think where they park there could be an accident.

“There are signs that say you can’t park here.

“It was just seconds, as it was with the bus. I know the parents coming in and going out are extremely upset by what they have seen.

“A lot of people will be saying ‘what is going to be done about it?’

“I have parents coming up to me and asking if it’s alright, and I have to say it isn’t.”

PCSO John Hood, who was at the scene, said: “There’s been an ongoing request from Cliff Lane for police attendance in the morning and the afternoon to monitor parking.

“Since the school’s come back it’s been great. People are respectful of the lines.

“I was on normal patrol. I saw a car parked on the one side of the road and a boy walking on the other.

“The boy ran straight out and didn’t look. The car was doing well within the speed limit and hit him.

“The message is it’s been pointed out before, something’s got to be done.”

One of the methods the school have tried, as part of a joint operation with Suffolk police, is using a system that texts drivers in the immediate area in front of the school whether they had parked considerably.

Mrs Needle added: “We don’t want this happening on a regular basis.

“Our junior safety officers ask in the newsletters if people are aware of where they are parking.

“The messages are coming from the children. They are very aware.”

Mr Hood said: “It’s about raising awareness for parents and motorists.

“Parents need to keep an eye on their children all the time.”

Do parents park inconsiderately outside your child’s school? Email us and tell us if you are concerned about your child’s safety.