A Bexleyheath mother was horrified when her 13-year-old son came home from school “bruised” after a “scuffle” with a teaching assistant.
Julie Carr, 42, is warning parents after the alleged assault at Woodside Sports College in Belvedere, a special school for children with disabilities and learning difficulties.
Her son Joseph came home bruised after an alleged altercation with his learning mentor who was a temporary member of staff employed through an agency.
She claims the incident happened in a classroom after Joe refused to attend a 15-minute detention for “being disruptive” in class.
The Brampton Road resident said: “It’s quite frightening. I don’t know what could have happened that day.
“I want to make sure parents are aware, and make sure their kids are safe.
“I got a phone call in the afternoon and got told Joe was in distress because he had ripped his blazer.
“They said: ‘Do not worry, Joe’s not in any trouble’.
“When I picked him up he was agitated.”
The teaching assistant was suspended from teaching at Woodside after last Tuesday’s alleged altercation.
The incident was reported to police, but Miss Carr has since said she does not want to press charges.
Miss Carr added: “Joe is a child and he has come home with bruises. He has got bruises on his arm.
“He is a big lad – 5ft 9in – but he is still only 13.”
Joe is a 'big lad' - but still just a child
The allegations are being looked into by independent investigating body Ladder.
Executive head of Woodside School Madelaine Caplin said: “I am aware of the incident and we are investigating to establish exactly what happened.
“I take Ms Carr’s allegation very seriously because the welfare of all our pupils is our top priority.
“I will meet with her once our investigation is complete to share our findings.
“The person involved was a teaching assistant employed through an agency to provide temporary cover.
“I have informed the agency that we will not consider employing him again until our investigation is complete.”
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A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “We received an allegation of assault at 8.30pm on April 21.
“At the moment, inquiries are being made and the officers are communicating with the victim’s mother.
“No arrests have been made.”
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