07 December 2023 , 12:58
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A school in London has suspended a teacher following claims from a 10-year-old student's father that his son had to go to A&E after he was punched by a staff member.
Allegations from the boy’s father, Charles Etumnu, against Christ the King Primary School in Islington say the youngster had been standing on a stairwell watching on as a different pupil got into trouble before he was pushed from behind, dragged into a confined space and hit by the unnamed teacher.
The dad claims his son is now traumatised after the punches "rained down" on him. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they received a report relating to an alleged assault on November 10. A spokesperson said an investigation is ongoing and “several witnesses” are being spoken to but there has not been any serious injury reported.
Christ the King Primary School in Islington has suspended a teacher over the incidentA now rescinded suspension letter sent to the boy on the same day of the incident seen by Sky News showed the school had originally accused him of an “act of aggression towards a member of staff" that involved knocking off their glasses and pulling “a clump” of hair out. Within an hour of the letter being sent out, the school reportedly took it back in light of fresh information.
Mr Etumnu told Sky News: "The teacher dragged him to a confined space on the landing and started raining punches on him. He was trying to fend them off when other teachers came and pulled them off him. My son then started crying. I was really anxious after hearing about what had happened and then when I saw the suspension letter I was completely livid. He's never been in a physical fight with anyone. So why would that happen to my son? It felt like they were ganging up against my family."
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In a statement, chair of governors James Potts said: "An allegation was made about an incident at the school in November. As soon as the allegation was made, we took the matter extremely seriously and took all appropriate actions. A member of staff was suspended at the time, pending a full investigation.
"We are working closely with the Metropolitan Police, Islington Council and the Diocese of Westminster. As part of our continued partnership with parents, carers and the wider community, we take the safety and well-being of our pupils extremely seriously, and are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst an investigation is ongoing."
The Daily Mirror has reached out to Christ the King Primary School in Islington to offer further comment on the allegations.