Concerned family and friends make a peaceful protest outside the school

A FAMILY who say their child was hit by a member of staff while at school held a peaceful protest to demand justice.

Last week the Tribune reported that a member of staff had been suspended from the school amid an investigation into claims a 10-year-old boy was hit by a teacher in the playground on November 10.

Yesterday (Thursday), a demonstration gathered outside Christ the King RC Primary School in Tollington Park, Finsbury Park, to demand answers.

Charles Etumnu, the father of the child involved, said: “As it is now, I would like the headteacher to resign because he has handled this matter very poorly.

“I also want the member of staff who assaulted my son to face the law. That’s why I’m here. I want all the boxes to be ticked. That’s the only thing that will pacify me.”

After the incident the school initially suspended the child for three days. In a letter outlining why, they said the boy “injured a member of staff today in the playground” by hitting her “several times, knocking off her glasses and breaking them. He also pulled a clump of her hair out.”

That suspension has since been rescinded with a further explanatory letter from the school – seen by the Tribune – which said that “new information came to light from a member of staff who witnessed the incident including the build-up to it”.

Mr Etumnu said that this incident has put his family under huge stress, and his son’s mental health has been impacted.

“What this school has done to my son is unthinkable. My son has been displaying a kind of mood now that we haven’t seen before.

“When he goes to bed he’s checking the door to make sure it’s secure, he’s anxious.”
Islington Council, Christ the King Primary School, and the Metropolitan Police declined to give further comment on the protest.

Last week, James Potts, chair of governors at Christ the King, said:  “As soon as the allegation was made we took the matter extremely seriously and took all appropriate actions.

“A member of staff was suspended at the time, pending a full investigation. We are working closely with the Metropolitan Police, Islington Council and the Diocese of Westminster.”

He added: “As part of our continued partnership with parents, carers and the wider community, we take the safety and well-being of our pupils extremely seriously, and are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst an investigation is ongoing.”

A Met Police spokes­person confirmed that officers were trying to establish what had happened, and said an investigation was ongoing.