An independent investigation has found improvements can be made after teachers were accused of bullying at a school for pupils with additional needs.

Parents with children at The Heights Academy in Solihull raised concerns about staff conduct, children being placed in isolation for becoming emotional, and at least one case of a pupil escaping.

One mother, Amy, alleged her 12-year-old had been “relentlessly targeted” by a teacher over a number of months, and claimed the case “wasn’t investigated” by bosses.

Now, after a “thorough” investigation, the trust that runs the school has revealed some staff will have enhanced training around autism.

The Forward Education Trust said it was pleased strengths had been identified, including the creation of a safe and supportive school environment.

But a statement by chief executive Simon Dilkes added it would also seek to increase communication with families and improve mental health support for pupils.

“An independent reviewer will be appointed to monitor the progress of these initiatives to ensure meaningful and lasting improvements,” he said.

The Heights opened in September 2023, promising a “unique educational approach” tailored to pupils who are autistic or have mental health needs.

But in February, Amy told the BBC that she had taken her son Cooper, who is autistic and has dyspraxia and anxiety, out of the school after just one year.

Bosses have not released the full contents of the independent report and a summary seen by the BBC does not mention accusations of teacher bullying or pupils escaping.

The summary document said 17 parents had expressed concerns in total, with all but two of them wishing to remain anonymous.

It added investigators did not identify any general failures around safeguarding, or specific issues which needed reporting to Solihull Council.

Labour councillor Hazel Dawkins, who has been representing parents, said she did not believe the summary document addressed all of the concerns raised, such as “bullying towards children and how children are spoken to”.

The Solihull Council representative urged bosses to release the report in full, adding: “Parents are not confident that the trust has understood their concerns.”

The trust did not respond when the BBC asked if it would release the report in full.

Mr Dilkes thanked parents and said their feedback had been “invaluable” in helping the school’s development.

“Forward Education Trust remains focused on working closely with families, staff, and the wider community,” he added.

A Solihull Council spokesperson said it was aware an independent investigation had taken place, and any parents who still had concerns should raise them directly with the trust.

“Ensuring schools meet the needs of children in Solihull is extremely important,” a statement read.

“We will continue to work closely with The Heights and the trust where appropriate.”