A HEADTEACHER and two members of staff have been suspended after an independent report uncovered a culture of poor education and inappropriate use of restraining techniques at a school for troubled youngsters.

And in the wake of September’s Ofsted visit to Prince Bishop School in Middlesbrough, the school has been placed in special measures after a catalogue of problems were not addressed following a highly critical report at the end of 2013.

A safeguarding review of the school was carried out by the Middlesbrough Safeguarding Children’s Board, which made a number of recommendations, following the 2013 report.

Further concerns were raised and investigations are currently being undertaken by Middlesbrough Council and Cleveland Police. The head, Kirsten Dinsdale, and two members of staff remain suspended.

The school, formerly known as Tollesby School, relocated to a new building, which it shares with Beverley School, in 2011.

The report shows the school was labelled inadequate in every single category with concerns raised about pupil safety and in appropriate management of behaviour incidents.

Leadership and management at the school was also weak while the team of governors were also found to be ineffective.

Richenda Broad, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Director of Wellbeing, Care and Learning, said: “Clearly, what has happened in the past is unacceptable and we have carried out our own investigation.

“The Ofsted inspection is pretty hard reading but there was nothing in it that our own investigations had not uncovered. We were pleased that the latest inspection has shown that things have improved since the interim head teacher and the new board of governors were appointed.”

The report shows that the council took decisive action when concerns were raised about pupil safety.

“The school’s work to keep students safe and secure is inadequate,” it reads. “The inappropriate management of students’ behaviour has had a negative impact on students’ wellbeing and attendance.”

The inspectors praised the work of the interim headteacher and management board saying the school is going in the right direction, resulting in increased confidence and co-operation among staff, students and parents.

And Mark Braithwaite, chairman of the Middlesbrough Safeguarding Children’s Board, said that the progress will be maintained.

He said: “As a board we have a responsibility to ensure the effectiveness of safeguarding provision for our children and young people here in Middlesbrough.

“We continue to work with and challenge agencies to achieve that objective with a particular focus of ensuring that the required improvements are made at Prince Bishop School.”