Islington primary school investigates claim staff member punched boy
- Published
Christ the King Catholic Primary School said it was working with the police and the local authority
An investigation is under way after a member of staff allegedly punched a pupil at a north London primary school.
A parent said his 10-year-old son, a pupil at Christ the King Catholic Primary School in Islington, was shoved and hit in the playground.
The school initially suspended the boy for three days following the incident on 10 November, saying he had hit the member of staff.
The school said the member of staff had since been suspended.
A spokesperson for the Met Police said the force was investigating. Police are speaking to witnesses and working with the local authority and the school "to progress this matter as swiftly as possible", the spokesperson added.
'Dragging him across the playground'
A letter the school sent to the boy's family said he had hit the staff member several times, knocked off their glasses, breaking them, and pulled out a clump of their hair.
The child's suspension was later revoked.
The boy's father told BBC London the member of staff had removed his son from some steps in the playground, "dragging him across the playground", and then "pinned him up against the wall and started punching him".
He said the incident was witnessed by the boy's younger brother.
James Potts, chair of governors at the school, said as soon as the allegation was made, the school "took the matter extremely seriously and took all appropriate actions".
He said the member of staff had been suspended pending a full investigation.
"We are working closely with the Metropolitan Police, Islington Council and the Diocese of Westminster," he added.
"As part of our continued partnership with parents, carers and the wider community, we take the safety and wellbeing 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."
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