Heswall teacher probed over allegations she had a relationship with pupil, 17

Nov 23 2011 by John Siddle, Birkenhead News

Heswall teacher probed over allegations she had a relationship with pupil, 17

A TEACHER was suspended after being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a pupil.

The teacher is being investigated by Pensby boys’ school over claims made by a boy, believed to be aged 17.

Police confirmed detectives had been made aware of an alleged breach of trust by Wirral council chiefs on behalf of the school.

The teacher has been put on leave while the investigation takes place.

Acting Headteacher of Pensby Sports College, Peter Madden, said: “A member of staff has been suspended from work pending an investigation.

“As suspension is a neutral act and the investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate, or indeed right, to comment further on an individual employee.

”We can reassure parents that the welfare and wellbeing of our pupils remains paramount and there will be no impact on pupils' education.”

Social media sites were awash with comments from students after the boy made references to alleged inappropriate behaviour on his Facebook site.

Although he is over the legal age of consent, it is illegal to engage in sexual activity with someone under the age of 18 if there is a relationship of trust.

A spokesman for Wirral council confirmed the suspension and said the authority was “discussing the allegations with the police”.

Merseyside Police confirmed that the allegations had been referred to them by the local authority designated officer (LADO).

They are alerted to all cases in which it is alleged that a person who works with under-18s has possibly committed a criminal offence against them.