A teacher at a Kirklees school has been charged with sexual offences against young children.

Brendan O’Brien, 44, who works at a school in Mirfield, will appear before Kirklees magistrates in Huddersfield next week.

O’Brien, who was suspended some time ago, has been charged with sexual touching and sexual activity involving children under the age of 13.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed the offences were alleged to have been committed at a school in Kirklees.

Despite it being the Easter holidays, a letter was this week sent to parents at O’Brien’s school explaining what had happened.

In the letter, from the school’s head teacher, parents are assured that if families were previously unaware of the matter their children are not involved.

The letter says despite the on-going criminal investigation it was “business as usual” at the school.

The head teacher’s letter says: “I am writing during the school holidays to bring you some very important news.

“Since school broke up for Easter, we have been informed by the police that a member of school staff has been charged with criminal offences.

“The staff member is Mr Brendan O’Brien, a teacher. Mr O’Brien will appear at court in the near future.

“Mr O’Brien has been charged with sexual touching and sexual activity involving children under the age of 13.

“The families of the children involved in the case are, of course, fully aware of the current circumstances.

“If you are not one of those families, your child is NOT involved in the case.

“We absolutely understand that this is a difficult letter for you to receive, especially during the school holidays, and that you may have many questions.

“However, the current situation is strictly a matter for the legal authorities and, as I hope you will understand, as a school we MUST be guided by the police in the information we can give. We will provide more information to you when possible.

“There is no further detail to share with you at the moment, but we can confirm that Mr O’Brien was suspended from his employment a number of weeks ago. His suspension remains in place.”

The letter goes on: “I can also assure you that our school’s high standards of education will not be disrupted by these ongoing events.

“Different class teaching arrangements have been in place for some time and everyone at the school is absolutely committed to making it ‘business as usual’ for all of our pupils.

“I would like to thank you for your support at this time.”

Police said O’Brien, of Cudworth, near Barnsley, will appear at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on Thursday April 24.

A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “This is currently a police matter and as such we would not comment.”