PARENTS of a disabled Kidderminster student are disgusted after a teacher who branded their son 'roadkill' kept his position.

Rhys Jones, aged 14, who studies at King Charles I School, was “upset and distressed” by comments made by his former teacher Brian Jefferson, say parents Laura and Garreth.

The teenager, who was involved in a life-changing road accident when he was eight, was greeted with "nice to see you, roadkill" by the teacher after struggling with ongoing pain at school.

In July last year, the family received a call from the school to say he was experiencing pain during a Race for Life fundraiser.

After taking the following day off, Rhys returned to school on Monday, July 15, when he was told by friends that on the previous Friday his teacher Mr Jefferson had asked the class, "where is roadkill today?"

Mrs Jones says that Rhys was greeted that Monday morning by the same teacher, who said "nice to see you roadkill".

Mrs Jones said: "On that Monday, Rhys came home and was very quiet. After about an hour he told me what had happened.

"I was extremely upset that this teacher, the person I trust to support, help and encourage my child to do his best, chose to make this comment."

In October 2013, Rhys was hit head-on by a van, thrown into the air and run over, the vehicle dragging him down a road.

He was taken by air ambulance to Birmingham Children's Hospital, where his parents were told his injuries were life-threatening.

Rhys suffered internal bleeding, a broken pelvis, broken ribs, haemothorax, a broken femur, crushed hip, broken spine and a crush injury to the foot.

Mrs Jones says some of Rhys' injuries are ongoing and he is still receiving treatment.

The parents reported the comments made by Mr Jefferson to the school the following day and the teacher was "relieved of his tutor group" and apologised to Rhys.

An official complaint was submitted by the parents and an investigation was then carried out by the school.

Mrs Jones said: "We both made it clear that we wanted this teacher dismissed.

"We did not want him anywhere near Rhys, let alone teach him. As parents we want to protect Rhys’ emotional and mental wellbeing."

According to a report, the staffing, curriculum and timetables were reorganised to ensure Rhys was not going to be taught by Mr Jefferson during the upcoming school year.

Reports also state that on Monday, September 16, Mr Jefferson returned to work and steps were taken to ensure Rhys and the teacher would not come into contact.

Mrs Jones said: "Two weeks after returning to school from the six week holiday, Rhys came home visibly upset and told me that Mr Jefferson had returned to school.

"He has been allowed to keep his job and also retain his head of department status, a position of trust."

According to a report, the investigation into the incident concluded on October 21.

But the family says that Rhys continues to see the teacher on a regular basis, which is having an "impact on his emotional and mental wellbeing."

Mrs Jones added: "Everyday since, I have had Rhys come home from school upset and distressed. I have had Rhys go from being very open about his medical issues to extremely closed."

A spokesperson for King Charles I School said: “The school takes any complaints or concerns very seriously and has policies in place to investigate incidents to ensure pupil’s welfare remains our utmost priority.

"In line with these policies, the complaint was thoroughly investigated. The school has abided by the findings of that investigation, taken the required action and kept the family informed throughout.

"Our school community is based on appreciation and mutual respect and we apologise for the distress this incident has caused."