THE head and deputy head teacher at a Bromsgrove school have been asked by the chair of governors to 'take some time away'.

Parents at Sidemoor First School received a letter announcing the decision this week, in response to a data submission issue, which has led to an investigation.

Tony Kinsella wrote: "It is with regret I must inform you that on the 17th July 2018 I have made the difficult decision to ask our head teacher, Mrs Mari Jones, and deputy head teacher Mr Richard Watkins to take some time away from the school.

"This decision has been made following consultation with the school improvement advisor and the local authority, for reasons associated to data submission and an investigation will now follow.

"Please be assured that the governing body and the local authority are currently taking every step to ensuring that the school leadership team have the support necessary to enable the school to deal with the absence of these two members of staff and to maintaining rigorous focus on the teaching and learning of every child.

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank the staff and governors for their full support and will be ensuring parents and the local community are kept informed during this challenging time."

The school was placed into special measures by Ofsted last year, after inspectors found the quality of teaching to be 'weak'.

Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills Councillor Marcus Hart said: "Worcestershire County Council has been working closely with the governing body at Sidemoor First School and Nursery.

"We will continue to support the leadership team, all members of staff and pupils."