Abuse probe school parents 'angered'

Chelfham Mill, which is privately run, has places for 41 boys, aged seven to 18.

Parents at a school where an abuse investigation is taking place say they are "disgusted" they were not told it was closed for the new term.

Chelfham Mill, near Barnstaple, Devon, which cares for boys with emotional and behavioural problems, had been due to reopen on Wednesday.

However, it has been removed from the register of schools by the Department for Education.

The school said it hoped to re-register following the police investigation.

The allegations of physical abuse concern methods of restraint said to have been used on boys by a small number of staff.

Some are recent, detectives say, while others date back several years.

One father from the county, whose 11 year old son attended Chelfham Mill, and who wants to remain anonymous, said: "He's extremely anxious and upset.

'Very distraught'

"We only heard the school wouldn't be reopening from the BBC website. It came as an utter shock."

The foster carer of another boy from Devon said she had also read about it in the media.

"There were floods of tears. He was very distraught. I feel quite disappointed and let down," she said.

In a statement, Devon County Council said it received written notification from the Department for Education two days ago that the school had withdrawn its registration and would not be reopening.

A spokesperson said: "We have arranged temporary provision for those boys who may not have a new permanent place from the start of term."

The principal of Chelfham Mill, Katy Roberts said: "The school has voluntarily resigned its registration until all enquiries are concluded.

"The school hope to re-register as a school following the conclusion of the investigation."