Exclusive by Sarah Shaffi

A primary school head teacher who was suspended from duty is now back work after being cleared of any wrongdoing.

The Medway Messenger exclusively revealed how Janet Perry, head of New Road School in Chatham, had been temporarily removed from her post amid an investigation into the administration of the school.

Another member of the school's senior staff was also suspended, but after more than a month both have been cleared following the Medway Council probe.

A spokesman for the authority said: "Following an investigation into administration at New Road School, it has been decided that no further action will be taken.

"We have no further comment to say about this matter except that, for both the school and the council, the education and progress of all the children has been and will remain, of the utmost importance."

The pair returned to school on November 29.

The council has refused to give details of the investigation, but has written to parents to inform them of its decision.

Mrs Perry has worked at New Road School for more than 15 years. Her work was honoured in 2005, when she was invited to a private party thrown by former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who recognised people who had striven to improve their community.

New Road School, which has about 350 pupils, was rated 'good' in an Ofsted inspection earlier this year.

It has a history of fundraising, including collecting tins of food for homeless people and holding a cake sale for those affected by January's earthquake in Haiti.

Elizabeth Caldwell, head teacher of nearby Greenvale Infant School in Symons Avenue, Chatham, was appointed interim head while Mrs Perry was suspended.