A teacher who is alleged to have hit a young girl at a special needs school is reported to be staying off work until the end of the month, after being left with just one student in her class.

As has previously reported, Laura Delgaty, the woman at the centre of the allegations, served a three-day suspension following the alleged incident at Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy several months ago. She then went on maternity leave.

Some parents called for her resignation when news came to light that she was to return to teaching Class 3 at the school last week ? a call backed by Shadow Minister of Education Neville Darrell.

The concerned parents went on to threaten to keep their children away from the school, on Military Road, Devonshire. Although they had second thoughts about this, one of the parents yesterday told that they will keep up the pressure until Ms Delgaty leaves.

?The first thought of most parents was to not bring our kids to school last week. After thinking about it we all felt united and had enough love for our school and teachers to stand behind the integrity of the school, but as a precaution most of us wrote to the principal requesting that our kids have nothing to do with Ms. Delgaty? said the mother, who asked not to be named.

?Laura felt the pressure. She did not come into work last Monday and Tuesday. By the time she did come in she was left with only one student and many letters were written by parents of other children to have their children removed from her class and to have no contact with her at all. She did not come in for the rest of the week and I could not be more happy,?

The mother said that a memo from the school principal was sent out to all parents on Friday explaining that Ms. Delgaty would not return to work until October 31st.

And she added that, although the parents believe the Government is trying to sweep the issue under the carpet, they are determined to keep up the pressure on the school until Ms Delgaty leaves.

?We do not want to destroy this lady ? we just want her out of our school. Our children are vulnerable and helpless and need strong voices to keep them safe,? she said.

Acting Permanent Secretary Dr. Joseph Christopher said that the Ministry of Education did not wish to comment in detail on the issue as a matter of policy.

But he added: ?It is important to state that an exhaustive hearing was held into matters which were brought to our attention by the school principal, and a decision made. While we stand by the decision, we remain sensitive, as always, to parents? concerns and are examining further options.?