'No grounds' to re-open investigation into allegations that youngsters at Wolverhampton school locked in cupboard, say council
Wolverhampton City Council says there is 'no grounds' on which to re-open an investigation into allegations that youngsters at a city school were locked inside a storage cupboard as punishment for misbehaving.
The allegations, which date back to 2012, were made by a number of parents who claim their children were regularly shut away in a classroom cupboard at Woodthorne Primary School in Tettenhall by a member of staff.
Wolverhampton South West MP Paul Uppal has joined angry parents in calling for an investigation into the accusations to be re-opened, but council bosses say they are satisfied that appropriate action has already been taken.
Dr Jim McElligott, the authority's Director of Education, said: "A thorough investigation, led by West Midlands Police and supported by Wolverhampton's Safeguarding Children team, was carried out into historic allegations of abuse at Woodthorne Primary School in 2012.
"The investigation subsequently concluded in September 2012 with no case to answer and therefore no further action was required. There are no grounds on which to reopen an investigation into the allegations.
"The council has responded to Paul Uppal MP on this matter on a number of occasions, including in March 2014 and again in May 2014, stating that the authority was satisfied that correct procedures were followed and that it is unwilling to reopen the investigation."
