A music teacher with nearly 50 years of experience has been told to stay away from a Bradford primary school after being accused of assaulting a pupil.

Thelma Hoskins, 67, who was working part-time at St Winefride’s Catholic Primary School in Wibsey, has vehemently denied the claim against her.

She said she merely put her hand on the Year 4 boy’s shoulder after telling him off for disruptive behaviour in front of the class.

The school’s head teacher Maureen Cairns has also been suspended by the Catholic Diocese of Leeds in connection with the incident.

The Telegraph & Argus understands that the action was taken against Mrs Cairns after she allegedly failed to follow reporting procedures after the accusation was made against Mrs Hoskins.

A spokesman for the Diocese, which controls the school in St Paul’s Avenue, refused to comment on the allegations but confirmed the matter was under investigation.

He said: “The head teacher of St Winefride’s Primary has been suspended due to an incident that took place. The Council and the Diocese is working together to resolve the situation. There is an investigation going on. If there’s another teacher involved, a supply teacher, that would be a matter for the agency involved.”

Bradford Council said it had not been made aware of the incident but Education Bradford, the private company contracted to run schools by the Council, confirmed it was co-operating with the Diocese’s inquiry into the incident.

Mrs Hoskins, of Wibsey, is employed by the school to take Friday afternoon music lessons.

She is also the chairman of the Yorkshire Brass Band Championships Committee.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus yesterday she said: “I called the child to the front and told him his behaviour was spoiling the rest of the lesson for everyone else. He said he was sorry and apologised to the rest of the class. I told him to return to his seat and I put my hand on his shoulder and said “join in properly”. The head teacher talked to the class at the end of the lesson and they agreed that was the case and I gather Father Kieron Walker (chairman of governors) had dealt with the matter.”

She said the incident occurred shortly before the Easter holiday and she returned to school for a fortnight. “After that the deputy head called me and said the governors had asked me not to return for the time being. They did not specify for how long and I have not had any contact from the school since. I have not heard the word ‘suspended’ and have not received anything in writing from anyone.

“I’m extremely baffled by the accusation and absolutely perturbed by the whole thing. I have been a teacher for 48 years and have never been accused of anything.”

The school did not want to comment further. The T&A was unable to contact Mrs Cairns.

Ian Beck, regional officer of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: “I’m aware that there are some issues at the school which are being investigated by the proper authorities.” He added: “It’s possible that Mrs Cairns didn’t report the incident because it didn’t happen.”