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Inquiry at school for vulnerable

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Three staff have been suspended and six others transferred from a school for vulnerable teenagers following a police investigation.

Police have been investigating claims of "excessive and inappropriate" restraint of children at Kerelaw School in Stevenston, Ayrshire.

The force said its inquiry was at an early stage and it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Glasgow City Council said the standard of care was being invesigated.

Kerelaw caters for teenagers with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and can hold 74 pupils.

Two months ago, the school was severely criticised by education inspectors for failing to implement improvements recommended in previous reports.

At the time the council said it had acted to recruit more staff and improve teaching.

A council spokesman said: "The investigation was triggered when employees at the school raised concerns that other staff may have acted inappropriately in their use of restraint measures in certain situations.

'Working together'

"As a precautionary measure, six members of staff have been redeployed and a further three employees have been suspended while the allegations are fully investigated."

The council has called on the Care Commission to carry out an independent investigation of the standard of care at the school.

"Glasgow City Council has also advised Strathclyde Police of the situation," the spokesman said.

"The council and police will be working together as the investigation proceeds.

"Appropriate arrangements have been put in place to ensure the continued care and well-being of all young people residing within Kerelaw School."

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said: "We have been contacted by Glasgow City Council and are investigating historic allegations of excessive and inappropriate use of restraint by staff at a residential school in Ayrshire.

"As inquiries are at a very early stage it would be inappropriate to comment further.

2004 Jun 18