Teacher at Somerset school suspended after 'taping pupils' mouths up'

Parents allege that one of the teachers at the school used the tape as punishment for pupils who were being too noisy

Parents of children at Danesfield School in Williton, Somerset, allege that one of the teachers at the school used the tape as punishment for pupils who were being too noisy. (GOOGLE)

An investigation has been launched and a teacher suspended at a Somerset school following claims by some parents that tape was put over the mouths of several pupils to keep them quiet.

Parents of children at Danesfield School in Williton, Somerset, allege that one of the teachers at the school used the tape as punishment for pupils who were being too noisy.

The school said today that it was "thoroughly investigating" and that "a member of staff has been suspended whilst the investigation continues".

Ian Bradbury, Executive Head Teacher of the Quantock Federation, in response to the claims said: "We take all allegations concerning the well-being of our children very seriously."

"An incident happened yesterday which we are investigating thoroughly. A member of staff has been suspended whilst the investigation continues."

"My thanks to the numerous parents who have brought this matter to my personal attention and have given their on-going support to us in this challenging situation."

One of the parents, Rob Lovell, told the BBC his 10-year-old daughter was "shocked" by what had happened and that the tape had hurt her.

"When she removed it at the end of the lesson it took the skin off lips and made her lips bleed," Mr Lovell said.

"She was a bit upset telling us because she thought she'd done something wrong."

Mr Lovell told the BBC that most of the class had tape put over their mouths apart from "maybe two" who were allergic.