PARENTS of children at a Worcester school were sent a letter of reassurance, as more details have emerged surrounding the case of a suspended teacher.

Tudor Grange Academy, on Bilford Road, issued a letter to parents on May 27 to inform them of the suspension of geography teacher Robert Howe.

He had been arrested for an alleged offence of attempted sexual communication with a child in April this year.

The letter from headteacher Mr Butler said: "As you may be aware, Mr Howe has not been teaching at the school since 22nd April and I would like to take this opportunity to explain why.

"I am very sorry to have to tell you that we were informed by the police that he had been arrested and charged for online offences committed in his personal life, outside of school.

READ MORE: Teacher leaves Tudor Grange Academy Worcester over "serious" allegations

"As you would expect and in line with our safeguarding procedures, he was immediately suspended pending an investigation, and consequently Mr Howe no longer works at the school."

The school told parents they wanted to "remind and reassure" them that all teachers go through "rigorous" background checks, which Mr Howe passed.

The letter said: "It is important for you to know the police have confirmed none of the offences they are investigating are in any way connected to the school or anyone in the school, of course with the exception of Mr Howe himself.

"I would also like to remind and reassure, you that all school employees go through a rigorous ‘safer recruitment’ process including an enhanced DBS check, a List 99 check and all staff must complete regular safeguarding training.

"This was all in place as it should be for Mr Howe who passed all the necessary regulatory checks and completed all the training requirements.

"All teachers are expected to be role models for students and the standards expected of teachers at our school are very high, which is why this news was so shocking."

Robert Howe, 34, of Portland Street in Worcester attended court on May 20, on a charge of attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to facilitate a sexual offence between April 13 and 21 this year.

The case was referred to crown court and is due to go ahead on June 17.

Mr Howe has been ordered to give up all communication devices to the police and sign the sex offenders register from the date of his May trial.

His bail conditions include no voluntary work or unsupervised access with anyone under the age of 16 and no communication with them online and on social media.

Mr Howe indicated at his trial that he intends to plead guilty when the case goes to crown court.