A headteacher at a school in Leytonstone has reassured parents that it is “safe” after a former teacher was jailed for having a sexual relationship with a pupil. 

Erin Hebblewhite, 29, groomed a girl pupil, who had never kissed anyone or had sex before, and took explicit of her.

The teacher sobbed as she was jailed for two years at Snaresbrook Crown Court after she pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual activity with a child.

Gossip spread during the course of the relationship, believing the rumours to be untrue, the school even warned Hebblewhite to be 'careful' otherwise she could "get into trouble", the court heard.

READ MORE: Disgraced teacher jailed for having sexual relationship with girl pupil

Headteacher of Connaught School for Girls, Avani Higgins has responded to the courts findings.

She has made it clear that she was not headteacher when the abuse took place and “cannot comment on the specifics of the case”.

Ms Higgins added she has made safeguarding of children a “top priority” at the school.

In a statement she said: “First our sympathies are with the victim in this case and her family during what must have been a very distressing time.

“Since taking over as headteacher I have made the safeguarding of children the very top priority at this school.

“Subsequently, Ofsted and the local authority have done a very rigorous safeguarding inspection of the school and found our procedures are robust, effective and those children are well looked after.

“I can categorically state that your children are safe at our school.

“If parents or members of the community have any questions, I invite them to make contact with me directly via our school office.”