Bullying probe after teacher dies

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A member of staff has been suspended after bullying allegations were raised at an inquest into a teacher's death.

Britt Pilton, 29, collapsed and died at High Greave Junior School in Rotherham in February, an inquest heard.

The coroner recorded a narrative verdict, saying Ms Pilton died from the effects of bulimia which arose out of long-standing anxiety at the school.

Rotherham council said a member of staff had been suspended while an inquiry into the allegations was held.

The inquest heard Ms Pilton had been prescribed anti-depressant drugs.

During the six to 12 months before her death her anxiety increased because of the stress she was under at the school, the court heard.

Bullying of any kind is not tolerated in our schools Rotherham council spokesman

The inquest was told Ms Pilton was scared that she would be forced out of her job by bullying behaviour.

Ms Pilton, who was due to marry this summer, died despite staff efforts to revive her.

Rotherham Coroner Nicola Mundy recorded the narrative verdict on Wednesday.

A spokeswoman for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council said: "Our thoughts are with Britt's family at this time and with the school community of High Greave Juniors who have had to come to terms with the death of this popular teacher.

"Britt was a very special young lady who loved and deeply cared for the children at High Greave Junior School and who in turn was loved by them.

"We have been made aware of the allegations of bullying and these are being investigated by ourselves and the school.

"We take all such allegations seriously, as bullying of any kind is not tolerated in our schools."

"We can confirm that a member of staff at the school has been suspended, as a neutral act, pending the outcome of our investigation into these allegations."