Ceara School suspends teacher

Pacemaker Press 4/11/10 Ceara School in Lurgan , a special school for children with severe learning disabilities', Where a 8 year old child attended , who was diagnosed with swine flu just over a week ago has died,Twenty people from Northern Ireland died in last year's swine flu outbreak, including a number of children with severe learning difficulties Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

' — Pacemaker Press 4/11/10 Ceara School in Lurgan , a special school for children with severe learning disabilities', Where a 8 year old child attended , who was diagnosed with swine flu just over a week ago has died,Twenty people from Northern Ireland died in last year's swine flu outbreak, including a number of children with severe learning difficulties Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker '

The teacher at the special needs school was suspended ‘without prejudice’ on full pay while the claim is investigated.

It’s understood the accusation is NOT of a sexual nature.

According to ‘MAIL’ sources the principal was  contacted by a member of the public.

Dr Peter Cunningham, principal at the school, said the teacher had been suspended in line with the school’s child protection policies.

The ‘MAIL’ understands social services, the Southern Education and Library Board and the police were contacted as part of those policies.

Dr Cunningham said: “The health, safety and well-being of the children is paramount for us and when an issue comes up it is dealt with appropriately.

“We have been collaborating fully with police in this matter.”

Ceara, like most special schools, has a preschool section, a Primary section and a post primary section. Children attending the school are aged from three years to nineteen years.

Like all schools, Ceara is inspected by the Department for Education. Their last inspection described the school as “outstanding”.

In addition, Ceara was the first special school in the province to attain the prestigious “Investors in Peoples” Award.