Special Needs Teacher Cleared of Child Abuse

By Petra Mann

A female special needs teacher was investigated and cleared after allegations of physical abuse of children were made against her.

Amanda Whitfield teaches a class of around ten youngsters with various disabilities at St Stephens Primary School, Launceston, North Cornwall

Police, Cornwall County Council and the school launched their own investigations into the claims that are believed to have come from a member of staff.

All three organisations found that there was no evidence of physical abuse.

Mrs Whitfield was reinstated at the school this week, after education chiefs had sent her on a retraining course.

Cornwall County Council bosses last night refused to discuss the individual details of the case.

A spokesman said: “A complaint regarding an individual working at St Stephens Community Primary School, Launceston, was fully and properly investigated by both the local authority and the school.

“The results of this investigation were reported to members of the school’s governing body who considered these findings thoroughly at an internal hearing using the appropriate management procedures.

“As a result, the governors felt that the individual concerned should continue to teach at the school.”

The middle-aged teacher has worked at the school for around 20 years.

A police spokesman said: “An investigation was launched in March 2007 after we received complaints of alleged physical violence against youngsters.

“We investigated the claims and found no evidence that any crimes had been committed.

“The local authority were made aware of the nature of the allegations.”

Some parents have criticised the school’s handling of the matter and claim that they have been kept in the dark.

One parent, who refused to give her name, told the WMN: “Everything has been shrouded in secrecy – the school has not kept us informed about what has gone on.

“It has made a lot of us feel very uneasy – we have a right to know, as we send our children to the school.”

The school website states: “Every aspect of the school reflects our policy of inclusion.

“We are fortunate to have our special unit which caters for children with a wide range of needs.

“St Stephens deservedly has a very good reputation for helping pupils with special needs.

“We believe that St Stephens is a happy school where all feel valued for who they are.”

pmann@ westernmorningnews.co.uk

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