Police are investigating the death of a teaching assistant after an incident understood to have involved a pupil.
A source close to the Ysgol Bryn Castell in Bryncethin, Bridgend, said the teaching assistant had been struck with a chair last week.
The 31-year-old was found dead at a house in Brackla, Bridgend, on Sunday morning and the cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
The school, which is a special school for 147 pupils aged seven to 19 rated good by inspectors Estyn, is shut today while investigations are carried out.
South Wales Police was unable to confirm details but said in a statement: “Police in Bridgend are investigating the unexplained death of a 31-year- old man who was found dead at a property in the Brackla area on Sunday morning.
“A post-mortem examination is due to take place later today to try and establish the cause of death.”
A message on Ysgol Bryn Castell’s twitter feed from headteacher Helen Ridout said: “Apologies, due to unforeseen circumstances, YBC is closed for all pupils on Monday 2nd December 2019. Mrs Ridout.”
In response to a query on Twitter asking whether The Bridge, the pupil referral unit which shares the same site, is also shut The Bridge responded: "Good morning, just YBC. The Bridge is open as usual. Thank you."
Councillor Charles Smith, cabinet member for education and regeneration at Bridgend Council said: “There was an incident with a pupil earlier in the week and the teacher has died later.
“The school is closed today while investigations are made and police are involved.
“Our first concern is the welfare of the teacher’s family. Pupils are getting support.”
Bridgend Council said in a statement: "Bridgend County Borough Council is aware of the death of a member of staff from Ysgol Bryn Castell over the weekend.
"Our thoughts are with the family of the member of staff at this difficult time. Ysgol Bryn Castell School is currently closed and we’re unable to provide any further information at this time."
A parent of a child who attends the school campus, said: “I am devastated at the news a member of staff has died.
“They are an amazing staff who make our children a part of their family.
“My thoughts are with the family of the member of staff who has died and all the staff at Ysgol Bryn Castell at this time of immense devastation.”
Ysgol Bryn Castell and its Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) unit are shut today while police investigate, but the pupil referral unit, The Bridge, is open.
Ward councillor for Bryncethin Cllr Gary Thomas said he was shocked to hear the news and was trying to get more details.
