A child-care worker is on paid leave after allegedly duct-taping the mouths of some students at a school in Bedford, N.S.
The incident is believed to have happened during an after-school program at Bedford South School on Thursday.
The Halifax Regional School Board says an investigation has been launched and Halifax Regional Police are also involved.
“What’s happening right now, is that the person has been asked to stay at home, they’re on paid leave,” says school board spokesperson Doug Hadley. “The matter is under investigation. We’re trying to speak to all of the students, we’re speaking with other staff members, and we’re speaking with the person against whom the allegation was made. We’re trying to gather as much information as we can right now.”
Nova Scotia Education Minister Ramona Jennex says she is upset by the allegations and expects the school board to get answers soon.
"As the minister of education, a former teacher and a grandparent, I am very upset about this alleged incident," said Jennex in a statement. "I want to reassure parents that this behaviour is not acceptable nor will it be tolerated. I have asked the board to keep me informed as to the progress of the investigation and its outcome."
The Halifax Regional School Board notified the Department of Education about the incident on Tuesday.
"Our schools need to be safe havens for children in this province," said Jennex. "I expect the school board to have answers about this alleged incident shortly and we will work with the board to ensure it doesn't happen again."
