Suspended teachers go back to work

An investigation was launched after pupils at South Holderness Technology College, at Preston, near Hull, passed round copies of the messages, which apparently contained crude language and originated in an online chat between three members of staff.

East Riding Council said in a statement: “A full investigation has taken place and appropriate management action has been taken in accordance with the college’s policies and procedures. The matter has now been dealt with and the teachers will be returning to school with immediate effect.”

An investigation is continuing, meanwhile, into comments allegedly made on Facebook by teachers at a primary school in Hull.

Debbie Johnson, headteacher of Westcott Primary School, was suspended last month along with another female member of staff, who had allegedly branded locals “thick” and “inbred” on the website.

Ms Johnson, who is thought to have taken part in the discussion with colleagues, later said the remarks had been taken out of context and had involved banter about rugby.