AN OTLEY school has given an assurance over pupil safety in the light of a recent court case.

Headteacher of St Joseph's Catholic Primary, Cecilia Knight, made the statement in response to concerns that have been raised by a parent* in connection with Joseph Cullen.

Otley resident Mr Cullen, an acclaimed conductor and musician, admitted at Glasgow High Court last month to sexually abusing two young boys between 1976 and 1982, when he was based in Scotland.

The 55 year old is currently waiting to be sentenced.

A married father of three, Mr Cullen was known in Otley as a cycling campaigner and had helped at St Joseph's - before any legal proceedings against him had begun - with cycling-related and other events.

Mrs Knight said there was no question that pupils had ever been at risk due to the strict policies that are in place at the school.

She said: "The safety of our pupils is always of paramount importance at St Joseph's and since I came into post in 2011 I have always implemented a strict safeguarding policy - which was rated good by Ofsted in November, 2014.

"Like a lot of schools we do rely on the help of our parent community to support staff during swimming lessons, trips and events.

"However any parent who is likely to be alone with a child is always appropriately DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked.

"Parents who help our school staff to escort children to swimming lessons and on trips are never alone with the children.

"Mr Cullen has previously volunteered to help with cycling related activities through school but on no occasion was he alone with the children.

"The school do not arrange ad hoc transport for children to and from events, and so Mr Cullen was never asked by the school to provide lifts for children.

"I am always happy to discuss our policy or safeguarding concerns with any parent."

*The parent, who wished to remain anonymous, contacted the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer to express unease over Mr Cullen's involvement in the school's activities over a number of years.

They also claimed that "the general feeling amongst anyone who has expressed concern is that they have been fobbed off, because it needs to be kept quiet."