A mother and father are furious at a primary school teacher who was let off with a warning for ‘slapping’ their severely autistic and non-verbal child. Katie Waller and Daniel Turner were left horrified after their son returned home with five red spots, including a pair under each arm and one on his jawline.
They raised concerns about Eden Park Primary School and Nursery School in Brixham, Devon, following the incident on Friday, April 19. But the former pupil’s parents are ‘disgusted’ that the investigation into the incident resulted in a ‘written note’ to the teacher. warning’ – and nothing else.
They immediately reported this to the school and at a meeting a week later they were informed that he had been ‘slapped on the back of his hand’ by a teacher. The school reported it was a ‘mild slap’ but no explanation was given to Charlie’s family about the red marks he received when he came home.
READ MORE: Three-hour flight from Mediterranean nation of Bristol is perfect for summer
READ MORE: Bristol named among the best cities to visit in the UK, according to science
Ofsted and the police were notified of the incident.
Mr Turner, of Brixham, said: “I am unhappy with the action taken – the teacher was not punished, she was given a warning? We know who the teacher is and think she should be arrested – but schools are protecting themselves and this is sickening.”
Dan and Katie have now collected Charlie from school and the youngster is now waiting to receive an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) – meaning he hopes he will be able to attend Mayfield School in Torquay.
Although the slap didn’t leave a permanent mark, Dan says his son was affected “emotionally and mentally” by the incident.
Dan said: “Charlie has a Global Developmental Delay so his mental age is 12 months.
“He is non-verbal and unable to communicate, and when he was first diagnosed with autism he was pinching and scratching, but we got him out of that about a year and a half ago.
“But this week he hit my hand; he hadn’t done that in a long time and I almost burst into tears.”
The incident occurred on April 19, while Charlie was having a one-on-one conversation with his assigned teacher.
Dan explained: “We were told last Friday that Charlie had been in the sensory room the Friday before because he had a one-to-one meeting.
“He must have been overstimulated and his one-on-one relationships were calming him down.
“Then suddenly another member of staff came into the room and Charlie swiped him and said, ‘Move, you’re too close to me for comfort.’ That’s when the teacher slapped him.”
Dan said he believed the police had summoned the teacher in question to the station for a ‘voluntary interview’, but the parents had called for more ‘serious’ action.
And he said he wasn’t very happy with the outcome.
He added: “If it were Dom Dick and Harry they would be arrested but because they are teachers they are doing voluntary interviews.
“People need to realize this, it’s completely wrong. “They’ve just been given a warning and it’s on their record and they’re going to go on a training course?
“What training course will change your mind about hitting a child, not improve the brain wave? They think a light slap is okay?
“What happens if there is a harder slap next time?
“Are unexplained scars even more frustrating? We emailed the school when we found out and they knew it was happening the whole time.”
“The school was aware my son had been breaking the rules all week – they should have told us an investigation was ongoing but they kept this from us.
“I expected the school to call me to document what my son was going through! But nothing.”
Dan says Charlie is left very distressed.
She added: “Charlie didn’t want to go to school, he wouldn’t eat, he was spitting out his medication; he would wake up in the middle of the night screaming and kicking.”
The April 29 letter from school principal Benjamin Wallis to Katie outlines a one-on-one conversation with Charlie about the incident and the school’s subsequent actions.
“In her own words, she shared that a staff member ‘slapped the back of Charlie’s hand,'” the letter said. [The one-to-one] He informed you that this was immediately reported to the school principal, who in turn reported it to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
“As part of this process, you were informed that the events were clarified by a one-on-one meeting with Charlie and that the staff was talked to.
“It has been made clear to our staff that the school does not accept or condone this behavior and that it is against our policies and the way we work.
“It is important to note that the staff member did not dispute the accusation and is incredibly remorseful.
“In line with advice from LADO, staff have been given a written warning which will be added to their personnel files and further training will be provided by the school.”
Details were also given about the meeting Katie and Daniel had at the school on Friday, April 26, including the principal.
The letter continued: “LADO confirmed that the school had taken all the correct steps and that the incident did not meet the threshold for consideration as a police or other matter. To clarify, the incident was a ‘mild slap’ on the child’s back hand.”
“When we announce this, we’re not saying we find it acceptable, and yet we take it very seriously. But we’re doing it to make sure everyone involved is clear.
“Even though the incident left no trace and Charlie did not show any distress at the time, this is still unacceptable and therefore the necessary action has already been taken.
“The school sincerely apologizes for this incident and hopes you will know that we are taking this matter seriously and have followed all necessary processes and have been open and honest at every stage.”
In a statement, Mr Wallis said: “We are aware of negative posts circulating on social media regarding an unfortunate incident that occurred at the school.”
“Eden Park Primary School takes the safety of all children and staff very seriously.
“The incident is very unfortunate and regrettable and has already been forwarded to the appropriate authorities by the school.
“To date, relevant authorities have confirmed that the school has taken the necessary steps to manage the matter.
“Staff and the school will conduct any investigation and take appropriate action as recommended.”