(CMR) The deputy principal of Joanna Clarke Primary, Janet Harris, is reportedly currently working from home after police launched an investigation into the alleged abuse of a five-year-old student at the institution. Parents are aware that the child is being targeted and is often singled out by Harris.
Allegations are that Harris kicked the Year 1 student in his back, which resulted in the child having to seek medical attention. The child also reportedly sustained scratches on his body and had to receive treatment from Doctor's Hospital. He was subjected to X-rays, breathing examinations, and chest exams.
Upset parents have contacted CMR, voicing their concerns about the abuse of the child and calling for Harris to be removed from the Cayman Islands.
CMR understands that the child was interviewed by the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), the police unit that investigates all forms of child abuse. The parents of the child have reportedly been left overwhelmed with emotions as they try to figure out the reason their son was attacked.
CMR has received exclusive reports that this is not the first time that this particular employee has been investigated for similar allegations. She has been moved around to several different schools over the years, including Clifton Hunter High School and North Side Primary. We understand that MP Miller insisted she be moved from NS Primary after receiving numerous complaints there, and she was then placed at Savannah Primary/Joanna Clarke Primary.
In fact, sources revealed that she had been suspended for six months while at Clifton Hunter High School for putting her “hands around a child's throat” for over 10 seconds.
Sources further alleged that because of their close relationship with Acting Chief Officer Lyneth Monteith, they do not expect anything to come of the matter. Despite these serious allegations, it is understood that Harris is still employed and able to work remotely from home.
This is not the first time since the start of the school year that a teacher has been accused of abusing a child. Last year, a Prospect Primary teacher was removed from the classroom after she was accused of abusing a student; she has since been cleared to return to the school.