My daughter was dragged out of tree and smacked on bum by staff member at school – I’m furious

A FURIOUS mum has claimed her daughter was dragged out of a tree and “smacked on the bum” by school staff. Clarissa Barnes’s ten-year-old alleged she was hit by an employee at lunchtime. School bosses said they had launched an investigation and are taking the matter “very seriously”. But the accused is still employed by […]

A FURIOUS mum has claimed her daughter was dragged out of a tree and “smacked on the bum” by school staff.

Clarissa Barnes’s ten-year-old alleged she was hit by an employee at lunchtime.

School bosses said they had launched an investigation and are taking the matter “very seriously”.

But the accused is still employed by Yorkswood School in Kingshurst, Birmingham.

Mum-of-five Clarissa is now worried about poor safeguarding in the classroom.

The 27-year-old wants to move her kids elsewhere but has struggled with the paperwork.

Clarissa’s daughter has been there since reception.

But after this incident she feels “uncomfortable” sending her child in each day.

The unhappy parent said she wanted to speak out because “the school can’t get away with these things”.

She told Birmingham Live: “What’s the difference between a parent smacking their children and a stranger?

“If I smacked my child in front of any professional or the school they would be straight on the phone to child services.

“So what’s the difference?”

Clarissa was made aware of the incident when she was called into the school on July 5.

She added: “I’m seriously worried about my kids because the school has gone downhill.

“I’m worried sick when my kids are there.

“I tried to move them but the paperwork you have to fill out is horrendous.”

The school’s latest Ofsted report was published in May and said improvement was needed.

Bu it said the institution’s safeguarding was effective.

The report stated: “Governors, leaders and staff take safeguarding seriously.

“Leaders have made sure that effective systems are in place to safeguard pupils.

“Staff are trained regularly and know the procedures to follow if they have a concern about anyone in the school.”

Andy Tunstall, head teacher at Yorkswood Primary told BirminghamLive: “We informed a parent of an incident where a member of staff is alleged to have harmed their child during a lunch break.

“The school is taking this incident very seriously and is now undertaking a formal investigation into the allegations.”

“It is hoped the investigation will be completed before the end of term.

“While this is an ongoing investigation the member of staff will remain an employee of the school.”