A SCHOOL has suspended a member of staff amid an investigation into claims a 10-year-old boy was hit by a teacher in its playground.

Police have also been called in to investigate what happened at Christ the King primary school in Tollington Park, Finsbury Park, on November 10.

Charles Etumnu, the father of the child involved, told the Tribune that the action taken so far had been too slow and parents were this week sharing the anger by filming at the school gates and posting to social media.

“We want justice,” Mr Etumnu said. “The authorities should wade in and check what’s going on: what are the guidelines, what are the mistakes, where has the school been going wrong.

“With what has happened, it boils down to me being worried about their safety. I don’t see them as being safe in their environment. All our kids.”

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That suspension has since been rescinded with a further explanatory letter from the school – seen by the Tribune – which said that “new information came to light from a member of staff who witnessed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

The family said that the child’s younger sibling witnessed the event and came home to tell his mother that he saw a teacher hitting his sibling, and he said to his mother, “I felt bad and I couldn’t help him,” Mr Etumnu told the Tribune this week.

He added that they have since moved their child to another primary school.

James Potts, chair of governors at Christ The King RC Primary School, said: “An allegation was made about an incident at the school in November.

“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.

A spokesperson said: “Police were contacted on Friday November 10 following a report that a 10-year-old pupil had been assaulted by a member of staff at a school in Tollington Park.

“There were no reports of any serious injuries. Safeguarding children remains our priority and we treat such allegations very seriously.

“Those involved in this incident, along with several witnesses, are being spoken with and the investigation is ongoing. We are working with partners, including the local authority and the school, to progress this matter as swiftly as possible.”