A mother and father were left furious after claiming their autistic son, aged four, was beaten by his teacher at school.
Katie Waller and Daniel Turner said they were shocked after their son Charlie came home with five red marks, including a few under each arm and one on his jawline.
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They raised their concerns at Eden Park Primary and Nursery School in Brixham, Devon, following the alleged incident on Friday, April 19.
A week later they were told that he had been “slapped on the back of the hand” by a teacher.
But the now ex-pupil's parents say they are “disgusted” that an investigation into the incident has led to the teacher being given a “written warning”.
Meanwhile, no explanation has been given to Charlie's parents for the red spots he came home with.
An irate Mr Turner told it SomersetLive: “I'm not happy with the action that was taken – the teacher wasn't punished, he was given a warning?
“We know who the teacher is and we think he should be arrested, but the school is protecting itself and it's sickening.”
Dan and Katie have now taken Charlie out of school, and the young boy is currently awaiting education. Health and Care Plan (EHCP) – meaning he can hopefully attend another school in Torquay.
Although the blow did not leave a lasting impression, Dan says his son has been affected “emotionally and mentally” by the event.
Dan said: “Charlie has Global Developmental Delay, so his mental age is 12 months old.
“He is non-verbal and non-communicative, and when he was first diagnosed autism he was pinching and scratching, but we got him out of there about a year and a half ago.
“But this week he hit me on the hand. He hasn't done that in so long and I almost burst into tears.”
The incident occurred when Charlie was having a conversation with his one-on-one assigned teacher on April 19.
Dan explained: “Last Friday we were told that Charlie had been in the sensory room the Friday before – while he had a one-to-one.
“He must have been overstimulated and his one-on-one conversation calmed him down.
“Then suddenly another staff member comes into the room, and Charlie swiped at him to say, 'Go away, you're too close to me for comfort'. And that's when he was punched by the teacher.”
A letter sent to Katie by headteacher Benjamin Wallis, dated April 29, summarizes the conversation she had with Charlie about the incident and the school's subsequent actions.
The letter said: “She shared in her own words that an employee 'slapped Charlie on the back of the hand.' [The one-to-one] informed you that this was immediately reported to the school principal who then reported this to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
'You were informed that as part of this process, events were again clarified with Charlie's one-on-one meeting and the member of staff was spoken to.
“It was made clear to the staff member that the school does not accept or condone this behavior and that it was contrary to our policies and ways of working.
“It is important to note that the staff member did not dispute the allegation and was incredibly remorseful.
“In line with LADO advice, the staff member was given a written warning which will be included in his personal file and the school will provide further training.”
Details were also provided of a meeting Katie and Daniel had at school last Friday, April 26, including with the principal.
The letter continued: “The LADO confirmed that the school had taken all appropriate steps and that the incident did not meet the threshold to be considered a police or other matter. To clarify, the event was a 'soft slap' on the back of the hand.
“By clarifying this, we are not saying that we find this acceptable, and we still take this very seriously. However, it is to ensure that everyone is clear about the events of the incident.
“Even though the incident left no trace and Charlie was not upset at the time, it is still unacceptable and appropriate action has already been taken.
“The school sincerely apologizes that this has happened and hopes you know that we are taking this matter seriously and have followed all required processes, being open and honest at all stages.”
A furious Daniel said he was far from happy with the outcome and condemned the teacher's punishment.
He added: “If that was Tom, Dick and Harry they would have been arrested, but because they are teachers they do a volunteer interview.
“People need to be aware of this – it's completely wrong. They just got a warning and it's in their name and they're going through training?
“What training will change your mind about hitting a child – it won't correct a brain wave. Do they think a gentle slap is okay?
“What happens if next one time it's a harder blow?
“Even more frustrating are the unexplained figures? We emailed the school when we found out and they knew this had happened.
“The school was aware all week that my son was so disruptive – they should have told us an investigation was underway but they kept it from us.
'I expected the school to call me to document what my son went through! But nothing.'
Dan says Charlie is very upset.
He added: “Charlie just wouldn't go to school, he wouldn't eat, he would spit up his medication – he would wake up in the middle of the night screaming and kicking.”
Eden Park Primary School told The Sun that “physical contact was made with the back of a child's hand”.
A spokesperson added that the matter had already been reported to police Police and the local security team.
The full statement from Eden Park Primary School read: “We are aware of negative reports and press, following an unfortunate and regrettable incident at school involving physical contact with the back of a child's hand. Some of the suggested links and words written in the press are untrue.
“Eden Park Primary and Connect Academy Trust take the safety of all children and staff very seriously. The matter has already been reported to the police and local security team, who have confirmed the necessary measures. steps are taken.
“The school is working with the designated local authority
The agent and case are also being investigated internally. Working together, we have taken steps to ensure all children and staff remain safe while a full investigation takes place. The school will take appropriate measures following the investigation.
“We respectively request that other people, who do not know the full circumstances of the situation, do not make negative comments about the school and the way in which all children are cared for.
“We have been transparent about this incident and are already working closely with the affected family.
“Eden Park is a listening school and will always take the necessary steps to ensure children are safe.”
The school also emphasized that the most recent Ofsted report (July 2023), praised all aspects of the school, including the provision for disadvantaged children and the way children are kept safe.
It said: “Safeguarding arrangements are effective. Securing leads is skilled and highly visible. They are well known to staff, pupils and families.
“Systems and processes are clear and widely understood. Employees record their concerns consistently and accurately.
“Leaders have strong relationships with other agencies. More secure recruitment processes have been established.
“Appropriate checks are carried out on the suitability of staff. Checks are carefully recorded in one central register. Staff are aware of the contextual challenges of working in this coastal community. They have access to appropriate training.
“Leaders ensure there is strong capacity to support families who need support, including through the effective pastoral team. Staff work hard to support pupils and their families. As a result, pupils are safe.”