A HEADTEACHER has left her role after “serious accusations” were made regarding her school.

Suzanne Morgan, who was the head at Saltdean Primary School, has “left the school’s employment”, a letter sent to parents has revealed.

She had been signed off work due to ill health in the summer term and has not returned to the school.

The nature of the “serious accusations”, which were made during the last academic year, do not relate to the safeguarding of children, but “aspects of the school’s operation”, the letter stated.

The letter from Joe Paxton, the chairman of governors, said in light of the accusations the governing body “has considered the evidence that has been presented to it” and “has taken appropriate action to ensure the continuing success of the school”.

Mr Paxton said the claims cannot be disclosed at this stage for legal reasons, but said no member of the school community has been put at risk of harm.

Saltdean Primary, in Chiltington Way, was rated Good in its last Ofsted inspection four years ago.

The letter, published on the school’s website today, said: “We would like to apologise for the uncertainty that our level of communication on this matter may have caused.

“However, processes and procedures have, and continue to, dictate what we are able to say. All questions should be directed to the chair of governors via the school enquiries email.

“Mrs (Natalie) Burley has done a fantastic job acting as acting headteacher in Mrs Morgan’s absence. I am delighted to be able to tell you that Mrs Burley has agreed to continue in her role as Acting Headteacher.

“We would also like to thank Ms (Natalie) Miller and Mrs (Katy) Reeve who have agreed to take up the acting deputy head position.

“This will allow for the high standards of the school to be maintained until permanent arrangements can be made.”

Mr Paxton said a full disclosure about the situation will be made as soon as the governors are able to. However, he did not say whether Mrs Morgan had been sacked or has quit her role.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “Saltdean Primary School made us aware during the last academic year of serious concerns that had been raised about certain aspects of the school’s operation.

“Since then we have been working with their governing body offering advice and guidance in order to help ensure the school, which is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, continues to be successful.”

The spokesman did not say whether Mrs Morgan had been sacked, saying the council has “nothing to add”.

Saltdean Primary School could not be reached for comment before the paper went to print last night.