THE headteacher of Matravers School, Dr Simon Riding, has sent a letter to parents about its recent Ofsted visit, after the school was criticised by some parents for the way it handled the inspection.

The Westbury school on Springfield Road came under fire over the visit when it was claimed some children were taken out of class – including those with learning difficulties – and hidden from inspectors.

The letter, sent earlier this week to all parents and carers of pupils, explains how and why the school acted as it did.

Dr Riding says: “Over 20 per cent (over 200 students plus) of our cohort has a Special Educational Need, which is above the national average. Three of our most vulnerable students have extremely complex needs.

“We were concerned that they may have struggled with ‘unfamiliar adults’ (ie Ofsted inspectors) around the school site, or possibly appearing in their lessons and asking them about their work.”

Dr Riding said the parents of these three children had been contacted by the school about the visit and potential change in routine.

“All but one parent sent their child into school,” he added.

“We did not, as has been reported, ask any parent to keep their child at home.”

Dad Martin Gillingham, 46, of Wyvern Walk, Westbury - who says his dyslexic son was taken out of key subjects like English and science for the inspection - is still unhappy.

Mr Gillingham said: “I know someone who spoke to one of the parents directly about this, and the letter has omitted to include that within two hours of sending his child in, one of the parents was contacted again.

“He was asked to come and collect his son and that the reason given to him was evasive.”