A SCHOOL in Wokingham has temporarily closed and four members of staff suspended following concerns over pupil safety.
Southfield School, in Gipsy Lane, contacted parents on Wednesday (13) with regards to the suspensions, and the school was closed on Thursday while investigations were carried out. It is not known whether the school re-opened today (Friday).
A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) said that the school had been inspected by local authority officers in February and Ofsted in March.
Alan Stubbersfield, head of learning and achievement, said: “Southfield School was inspected by local authority officers in February and Ofsted in March. The Ofsted Report is not yet published; however our investigations have led to some concerns about safety.
“I can confirm four members of staff from Southfield School have been suspended. Suspension is a neutral act; it does not imply guilt and is not itself part of any disciplinary process.
“Staff at the school as well as parents and students are being informed. Interim arrangements have been put in place. Reassurances are being given that the education and welfare of the students at the school is of the utmost importance.”
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “Child Protection Officers from Thames Valley Police are taking part into a joint investigation with social workers from Wokingham Borough Council into child protection procedures at Southfield School, Wokingham.”
“Child Protection Officers from Thames Valley Police are taking part into a joint investigation with Social Workers from Wokingham Borough Council into child protection procedures at Southfield School, Wokingham.”
