A teacher who allegedly SELLOTAPED the mouths of 10 year-olds to stop them talking in class has left her position.
Spanish and art teacher Priscila Davo Ortega allegedly lined up nearly a whole class of 30 pupils and applied sticky tape across their lips.
The Year 6 pupils were told the gags had to remain in place throughout the art class – and many had several pieces of tape applied to secure them.
But after traumatised youngsters told their parents about the new form of discipline the teacher was suspended from her role at Danesfield School in Williton, Somerset in March.
Ortega, from Spain, has now left the school following an external review undertaken by authorities, including a safeguarding team.
The school, which has now become Quantock Academy, wrote to parents to explain the outcome of the investigation.
Chair of Governors, Cerys Randell, wrote: “The Governing Body would like to thank you for your support and patience whilst we have been investigating the safeguarding incident in relation to some pupils in year six at Danesfield School.
“An independent external review has been undertaken by the relevant authorities and we can now advise that all investigations surrounding this matter have been completed.
“Following the investigations and subsequent review Miss Ortega is no longer employed by the Academy.
“We do not make comment on individual matters concerning staff but would wish to
reassure you that we will always take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and take
appropriate action including reporting issues such as this one to the relevant statutory
agencies.
“Our focus now is to look to the future and to reassure you that we continue to work to
ensure high quality teaching and learning in a safe environment for all pupils attending our
schools.”
The incident happened on the very first day the school – which was rated ‘Good’ in its last Ofsted report in 2011 – converted to become an academy.
The middle school caters for around 360 pupils aged between nine and 14.
Headteacher, Ian Bradbury, resigned from the school just two weeks ago, though it is not known if his resignation is linked to the incident.
Sarah Gower, who says her son Aiden had his mouth taped, said: “I am really happy with the outcome – it has taken a while but I’m glad it has been resolved.
“It’s a relief for the children, as well. Aiden is fine now but it was horrible.”
