Teacher 'called pupil a cripple'

A school is investigating after a disabled 14-year-old pupil claimed she was called a "cripple" by a teacher. Lynne Wild is making a formal complaint about the comment which was aimed at her daughter Amy at Reddish Vale Technology College, Stockport.

The teenager uses a wheelchair after heart surgery complications left her with damaged nerves in her legs. Head teacher Jenny Campbell apologised for any distress caused to the student in bringing the complaint.

Doctors do not know if Amy will walk again and she uses a wheelchair and crutches to get around. Amy, from Heaton Norris, told her mother that a male teacher said "move, cripple", as he passed her in the school's dining hall.

"My daughter has been through a lot over the past few years and really tries to put a brave face on it," said Mrs Wild. "She shouldn't have to put up with this kind of insult, particularly from teachers. This incident upset her and has enraged me.I am furious and think it is totally unacceptable. This is a man in a responsible job, who should be setting a good example to the pupils."

Head teacher Ms Campbell said the school, which has about 1,400 pupils, was treating the matter "extremely seriously".

"The college is addressing the allegation with the member of staff involved through its established procedures," she said. "We have unreservedly apologised in person for any distress caused to the student and her family in presenting their formal complaint about this matter."

Ms Campbell said the school had an excellent record for caring for its pupils, adding: "Complaints are very rare, but if one is received it is investigated immediately."