PARENTS at a primary school where the headteacher is currently absent for ‘personal reasons’ have been warned they could face legal action for speculating on the matter.

Graham Alderton has been absent from Roding Primary School in Roding Lane North, Woodford Green, since earlier this month.

Both Redbridge council and the school have repeatedly refused to confirm if he has been suspended.

In a letter sent home to parents on Tuesday, Terry Ward, the school’s chair of governors wrote: “Many rumours are being circulated about the reasons for Mr Alderton’s absence.

“I wish to remind parents that a defamatory statement can entitle an aggrieved party to seek legal redress.”

And he urges parents: “Show more consideration for the wellbeing of children at Roding Primary and the reputational damage misleading information can cause the school.”

Mr Ward also writes that governors are ‘uncertain’ of how long Mr Alderton will be absent.

The letter continues: “We have engaged the part-time services of an experienced executive headteacher, Jas Leverton, who has successfully led three other Redbridge schools and is currently the substantive headteacher at Cranbrook Primary school in Ilford.

“She will be supported by her colleague Helen Radmore.

“As associate headteachers they will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the school.”