Parents say they were kept in the dark about school asbestos

Angry parents have confronted NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and her department over asbestos found at a local public school.

Workers replacing an old roof with decades-old bonded asbestos at the Newcastle East Public School in December also found the more dangerous, friable kind.

Parents claim they were only told of the discovery when children returned last week.

At a heated meeting at the school last night, Ms Mitchell apologised for a lack of information.

"I take this very seriously, and I understand why parents would be distressed and concerned," Ms Mitchell said.

"As I said at the outset, I'm not happy with the way this issue has been dealt with in terms of the communication that's come out."

Experts at last night's meeting said 2500 different samples were taken, with all levels of asbestos below normal.

Fibres were found on a school book and sporting equipment, but not the more serious type that could be inhaled. All books and equipment were removed and will be replaced.

Mark Scott from the NSW Education Department said the school had been given a "clean bill of health" and was safe for children to attend.