THE head teacher of a Monmouthshire special school who had been suspended pending an investigation will not be returning to the school.

Monmouthshire council said the senior member of staff at Mounton House School who was suspended last summer has since left the authority’s employment.

The Argus understands it is the head teacher Paul Absalom who had been suspended following concerns from the governing body about the implementation of policy.

The school is maintained by Monmouthshire County Council and admits boys aged 11 to 16-years-old with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

The school in Pwllmeyric, Chepstow, has around 44 pupils who attend from local authorities throughout England and Wales.

Currently in charge at Mounton House School are deputy head Mark McCormick, who has been acting as head teacher since Mr Absalom's suspension last July, and executive head Bev Randall of Monmouthshire’s pupil referral service.

The head’s suspension followed the publishing of the school's Estyn inspection report in May, 2015, which found the current performance was adequate and the school’s prospect for improvement was adequate.

Care, support and guidance were found to be unsatisfactory and inspectors said additional learning needs are not well met by the school.

Recommendations included suggestions that pupils’ attendance and engagement in lessons are improved and that behaviour management policy is applied consistently.

A Monmouthshire council spokesman said: "The senior member of staff at Mounton House School who was suspended last summer has since left the authority’s employment.

“As with any employment related enquiry, MCC is not able to provide comment on individual employment matters. We can confirm that when dealing with any employment issue all the necessary processes and procedures are followed.”