Special school staff suspensions lifted

School had 101 pupils aged 10 to 16.

Ten staff at a special school in County Durham who had been suspended over allegations of child abuse are being allowed back to work.

The governors of the school - Windlestone Hall in Rushyford, Newton Aycliffe - have still to consider the cases of four teachers who have also been suspended since September 1998.

But Durham County Council, which carried out a joint investigation with police, has said already that no criminal charges are being brought.

The school caters for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

In all, six teachers and eight care staff were suspended on full pay following allegations of child abuse.

All the care staff and two of the teachers have been cleared following the investigation, which involved interviewing 170 pupils and former pupils, 91 staff and 30 former members of staff.

One boy claims he had his arm broken at the school and is suing Durham County Council for damages.

The school was closed for a time when the investigation first began.

It is still operating, but with only about half the 101 pupils it had then.