EXCLUSIVE

The head teacher of a Medway primary school has been suspended amid an investigation.

Janet Perry has been temporarily removed from her post at New Road School in Chatham, during a council probe into the way the school is run.

She and another staff member were suspended after the launch of an inquiry into the administration of the Bryant Street school.

Elizabeth Caldwell - the head teacher of nearby Greenvale Infant School, in Symons Avenue, Chatham - has been appointed interim head teacher.

Mrs Perry who has worked at New Road School for more than 15 years, was suspended along with another staff member on Friday, October 22.

A Medway Council spokesman said: "We can confirm that there is a local authority investigation into school administration at New Road School.

"As always, the learning, achievement and wellbeing of all pupils at the school remains a priority.

"During this investigation, Elizabeth Caldwell, a highly-experienced Medway head teacher, has agreed to take on the interim headship at the school.

"Since there is an ongoing investigation we are unable to comment any further at this stage."

New Road School, which has about 350 pupils, was rated "good" in an Ofsted inspection earlier this year.

It has a history of charity fundraising, including collecting tins of food for the homeless and holding a cake sale for those affected by January's earthquake in Haiti.

Mrs Perry's work was honoured in 2005, when she was invited to a private party thrown by former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who recognised people who had striven to improve their community.