Staff Member Arrested in Bolton School Voyeurism Case
A member of agency staff at a primary school in Bolton has been arrested after a ten-year-old girl was allegedly filmed inside the school toilets. The incident, described as 'traumatic' by the child's mother, occurred at The Orchards Federation in Farnworth.
The young girl, who is in Year Six, immediately recognised the situation was wrong and reported it to another member of staff. Greater Manchester Police were alerted by the school and rushed to the premises just after 11am on Tuesday.
Mother's Outcry Over 'Massive Safeguarding Failure'
The mother of the girl has spoken of her fury and distress, labelling the event a 'massive safeguarding failure'. She revealed that her daughter is now 'too scared to go to school' and has been kept at home because she no longer feels the environment is safe.
She further stated that she has been 'offered no explanation' from the school regarding the incident or any details about new procedures being implemented. According to local reports, the school sent a message to parents confirming that a member of agency staff had been arrested on her second day of working there.
Police Investigation and Official Responses
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of voyeurism offences and has since been bailed pending further enquiries. Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples from GMP's Bolton district sought to reassure the public, stating, 'We understand that incidents like this cause significant concern in the community... This was an isolated incident with no wider threat.'
In a letter to parents, the school asserted that 'robust safeguarding measures' are in place and that appropriate procedures were followed. A spokesperson for Bolton Council echoed this, confirming they are aware of the arrest but are unable to comment further due to the ongoing police investigation.
The Orchards Federation includes The Orchards Nursery School, Cherry Tree Primary School and Green Fold School, all located in Farnworth. The police remain in contact with the school and the child's parents as the investigation continues.
