CLAIMS that there is a culture of bullying in Amman Valley Comprehensive School have been denied by the deputy headteacher.

Adrian Phillips said the school's anti-bullying policy has actually been praised by Estyn inspectors.

"I can categorically state that there is not a culture of bullying in Amman Valley," said Mr Phillips.

"We have a written bullying policy in the school which is understood by both pupils and teachers alike."

A concerned parent made the claims after removing her 12-year-old daughter from the school, saying she was attacked by a fellow pupil.

The parent, who did not want to be named, said her daughter has been bullied in school.

"The girls who are intimidating her are also taking things outside the class," she said.

"I have insisted that my daughter takes her mobile phone to school so I can make sure she is OK.

"But one of the girls even attacked her while she was speaking to me.

"I was disgusted to learn that she was only given two days' detention for the attack."

The Amman Valley parent said police are investigating an allegation that the girls have threatened her daughter via the MSN messaging service.

"My daughter is too scared to go to the Blue Light discos because last time one of the girls made a threat," said the mother-of-six.

"Rather than hanging out with her friends in the Amman Valley she would rather go all the way to Llanelli and visit friends there.

"I just want the teachers to address the issue more effectively to ensure she is safe in and out of school.

"I have taken her out of school until I am satisfied it is safe for her to return."

Mr Phillips said bullying occurs in every school. "Teachers do not tolerate bullying of any kind at the school and all allegations are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly," he said.

"The Estyn inspectors have praised the school for having a very caring community.

"We have introduced a bullying box for those pupils who are too worried to speak out."