Police investigate allegation against head (From Stroud News and Journal)

Police investigate allegation against head

THE headteacher of a Five Valleys special school has been suspended while police probe an allegation that he assaulted a 10-year-old boy.

David MacDonald, head at Amberley Ridge Special School on Rodborough Common, is accused of assaulting the boy on March 2.

It is alleged that the child, from Gloucester, received slight injuries to his shoulder.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire County Council said: "We can confirm that a member of staff at Amberley Ridge Special School has been suspended.

"No further comment will be made while police investigations are ongoing."

Matt Ford, spokesman for Stroud police, confirmed that the member of staff concerned was Mr MacDonald - but stressed that he had not been arrested and no charges have been brought.

"Investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been made at this time," he said.

Mr MacDonald joined the school in September 1997.

It cares for children between five and 11 with emotional and behavioural problems which mean they cannot attend a mainstream school.

Some will eventually return to mainstream education while others will go on to a special secondary school.

The school is a former hotel and many of the children board in the upstairs rooms during the week.

In 2004 the SNJ reported how possible funding cuts could affect the boarding area - raising fears about the school's future.

Commenting at the time, Mr MacDonald said: "The heart of the school is the residential department.

"If the residential part goes the heart of the school goes with it."

In the past staff have said fundraising is difficult because of a lack of public awareness about the school's work

However, they recently raised £23,000 to replace the school's ageing swimming pool.