FOUR members of staff have been suspended from a Wokingham school because of fears for children's safety.

The disciplinary action has been taken against four staff members at Southfield School in Gipsy Lane, Wokingham.

Southfield School educates pupils with special needs, with a wide range of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Alan Stubbersfield, head of learning and achievement at Wokingham Borough Council said: "Southfield School was inspected by local authority officers in February and Ofsted in March.  The Ofsted Report is not yet published; however our investigations have led to some concerns about safety. 

"I can confirm four members of staff from Southfield School have been suspended.  Suspension is a neutral act; it does not imply guilt and is not itself part of any disciplinary process.

"Staff at the school as well as parents and students are being informed.  Interim arrangements have been put in place. Reassurances are being given that the education and welfare of the students at the school is of the utmost importance."

A TVP spokesperson said: "Child Protection Officers from Thames Valley Police are taking part into a joint investigation with social workers from Wokingham Borough Council into child protection procedures at Southfield School, Wokingham."

“Child Protection Officers from Thames Valley Police are taking part into a joint investigation with Social Workers from Wokingham Borough Council into child protection procedures at Southfield School, Wokingham.”

When contacted by the News, the school refused to comment.