Special needs teachers charged over “mistreatment”

By ALISTAIR MUNRO
Published on 14/03/2013 15:53

TWO teachers at a special needs school in the Highlands – including the head – have been charged over alleged mistreatment of pupils.

The two staff members are currently suspended from St Duthus Special School at Tain, Ross-shire, which caters for children aged three to 18 with profound disabilities.

A Northern Constabulary spokesman confirmed: “Following inquiries into the alleged mistreatment of children at St Duthus school, police in Tain have arrested and charged two members of staff at the school.”

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

The school, run by Highland Council, has 15 pupils with complex disabilities, and covers an area from Alness to Golspie and Lairg in Sutherland.

A council spokesman said: “We can confirm that two members of staff at St Duthus school have been suspended on a precautionary basis pending investigations into complaints.

“The council has put in place alternative management arrangements at the school.”