Inspectors are being called in over allegations of sexual bullying at a Gravesend primary school.

A pupil has said he feared that another boy would "cut his willy off with a pair of scissors" in a series of incidents that became more sexual and violent at the school.

Staff at Holy Trinity Primary School also caused further distress by forcing the victim to identify the bully in person, while standing in front of his class, according to a Department for Education report.

The mother of the child came forward after the student had become increasingly distressed after a catalogue of alleged attacks.

She claimed the school had failed in its duty of care and demanding action be taken to ensure children were protected.

The report outlined how the pupil's mother had become concerned her son had become reluctant to attend school in the first half of 2017, and he had suffered from nightmares and anxiety.

Her son said a pupil, referred to as Child A, had been "flicking" his penis, and that she had been informed school staff, said the report.

It added: "Staff confirmed that as other 'incidents of a sexual nature' had taken place at the school, pupils had recently been spoken to about their 'private parts'.

"The victim's mother stated she had not been informed of the previous incidents, or that her son's class would receive this talk."

The victim reported he was followed into the toilet and touched inappropriately, said the report.

Staff then reportedly said no action could be taken unless the victim identified Child A, and his mother was assured this process would be done using photos.

But the report added: "Instead on June 15, 2017, staff asked the victim to identify the child in person, and in front of his entire class.

"The victim felt unable to do so, until another pupil mentioned the child's name.

"Child A allegedly had a history of behaving aggressively towards the victim."

The mother was then reportedly told no action would be taken as the incidents had not been witnessed.

Her son then made the further disclosure that Child A had threatened to "cut his willy off with a pair of scissors", which she reported but as no action was taken she withdrew her son from the school.

She then delivered a formal letter of complaint to the school, which she was told was being dealt with by the headteacher and chair of governors, but the school later stated they had no record of receiving her letter of complaint.

Summarising its findings, the Department for Education report stated the school had failed to discharge duties and failed to adhere to policy, and that remedial action should be undertaken.

The report said it found the school had numerous opportunities to take appropriate action, and that a referral was only made to Kent County Council 15 months from the time of the victim's disclosures and 12 months after his mother's formal complaint.

Even then, the referral was found to lack key information - including the name of Child A, that the victim had made separate disclosures, that the disclosures followed previous 'incidents of a sexual nature' and that Child A's behaviour was "sexualised, repeated over time, escalated in nature, and included the threat of physical violence."

The report listed "actions required", stating: "We require assurances from the governing body that all staff are reminded of their duties in terms of safeguarding the welfare of pupils, in line with arrangements set out in the school's safeguarding policy.

Assistant head teacher Louise Edwards said: "When we first became aware of the incidents relating to this particular complaint it was discussed by the school's safeguarding team and referred on to the safeguarding team at Kent County Council as is normal protocol.

"Appropriate safeguarding measures were then put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils going forward.

"We acknowledge receipt of the subsequent report, the findings of which were also discussed to ensure the appropriate safeguards had been actioned and were effective."