A PARENT has spoken out in support of the head teacher at The Minster School in York - and called for him to be allowed back to work.

Robert Laverack said Alex Donaldson had been a ‘deciding factor’ for him when he chose to send his two daughters to the prep school, and the head’s absence since May had recently led him to consider withdrawing them from the school.

“Before my children went here, I had an interview with the head, he was approachable and put us at ease, and he has been very helpful since then.”

He said that as a Christian, he had struggled to understand the ‘lack of compassion’ given to the head, asking: “Where are the teachings of Jesus in this?”

Mr Laverack’s comments came after the school closed for the summer holidays following a period of turmoil, which began when the head and two other staff members were suspended following the discovery of air guns and ammunition in an insecure area of the school in Deangate.

It emerged in May that the then chair of governors, former Dean of York, the Very Reverend Dr Vivienne Faull, had written to parents to say the three had been suspended pending the outcome of a disciplinary investigation.

The two other staff members have since been reinstated but it is understood Mr Donaldson has still not been allowed back to work, and some parents recently lobbied members of the General Synod outside York Minster.

Mr Laverack, who runs a York joinery business, said: “I will always have respect for the school, for its Christian values and pastoral care. All the teachers are very professional.

“My problem is with the way matters have been handled by the Dean and Chapter. It is a brilliant school with great teachers and would not want their actions to dissuade anyone enrolling their child.”

A spokeswoman said the Chapter had duties of responsibility and confidence to its employees and would not comment on issues relating to their employment but understood some parents were concerned and angry and was working hard to keep them updated and informed.