PARENTS at Robert Le Kyng School have launched a campaign for the return of the teacher who accused head Maran White of slapping her.

Class nine teacher Ann Williams went on sick leave following the court case in Devizes Magistrates Court that cleared Mrs White of common assault.

Chairman of governors Philip Ashdown said that Mrs Williams, who taught a class of eight and nine-year-olds, has now been suspended following a serious complaint.

He was unable to confirm who made the complaint or what it was about.

A group of 20 parents of children in Mrs Williams' class have launched a petition to bring her back to the school and delay Mrs White's return until the end of the school year in July.

They say none of them have a problem with Mrs White, but they are concerned for their children's education because of the disruption caused by having a string of supply teachers.

Parents accept that it would be difficult for the two women to work together following the court case.

Parent Karen Crayford, 36, a housewife from the town centre said the pupils' results were suffering because of the disruption.

"This is definitely not a criticism of Mrs White," she said, "but it's something that parents of class nine pupils are concerned about.

"We want Mrs White to come back after the summer holidays.

"It is sad when the children lose enthusiasm, they should enjoy coming to school, but I accept it is a very difficult situation."

One parent, who did not wish to be named, said: "My concern is about the disruption to children in Mrs Williams' class.

"I have got nothing against Mrs White coming back, in fact I am happy with the decision of the court and the decision to allow her return. But I feel it should be in September and that Mrs Williams should stay as the class teacher.

"Mrs White said her priorities are for the children and if that is the case she should let them finish this year with as little disruption as possible and then come back."

Mr Ashdown explained that he understood the parents' concerns but even if every parent in the school wrote to him he would be unable to revoke Mrs William's suspension because it was an employment matter.

He said: "Mrs Williams has been suspended pending an investigation into a serious complaint.

"There was some concern that pupils were being taught by supply teachers but that has now been resolved."