A MOTHER has taken her daughter out of school after classroom bullies made her life hell.

And Carolyn Reed today vowed: "I'll never send her back to that torture chamber."

Her child, Charlotte, 12, made a grim diary of events at Bowland County High School, Grindleton, Clitheroe, which included;

Bullies breaking down the door as Charlotte was in the school toilet.

Physical abuse.

Name calling.

The youngster has also been seeing a counsellor after months of torment. Carolyn, 46, of Tower Hill, Clitheroe, said the final straw came when Charlotte broke down and said: "Mum, I can't face going to school anymore."

She said: "The school promised me the bullying would stop but they've not kept to their word and I won't be sending Charlotte back. "She's been through hell and nobody wants to help her or do anything about it.

"I've tried to get her into other schools but most are over-subscribed.

"Charlotte is a slow learner and is classed as having special needs. The other kids poke fun at this but nobody realises just how damaging it can be.

"It's heartbreaking to hear what she's been through. I realise that I can face court for not sending her to school but I would never send her back to that torture chamber.

"I know her education is vital but what can I do? I've tried and tried to get the school to listen but

they just don't want to know."

Headmaster Stephen Colling said several pupils had been warned about bullying and their parents informed.

He said: "I would love to have Charlotte back at school as soon as possible. "It's not fair to say that we have done nothing. I have spoken to Charlotte's parents and I'm currently arranging a meeting of all relevant agencies to try to bring the matter to an end as quickly as possible.

"I could never give any guarantee that any child will not be bullied but if Charlotte comes back there will be very close monitoring of the situation.

"We don't have a bigger bullying problem than any other school. We're a very small school and when incidents come to light they are dealt with accordingly.

"The best place for Charlotte is in school. I am very sorry Mrs Reed feels this way and I really hope we can all sort this matter out soon."

Mrs Reed hopes to form a parents' anti-bully action group and would like to hear from anyone whose child has suffered. She can be contacted on 01200 429489.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.