Police were called to a Letchworth school today to speak to parents who have raised concerns about the caretaker being charged with sexual assault and attempted rape on a girl.

Officers spoke to parents outside Icknield Infant and Nursery School in Archers Way this afternoon.

Steven Garrott – of Archers Way – pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault, all on a girl under 13, during a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court on September 14.

The girl, who cannot be identified under the Sexual Offences Act, does not go to the school and the alleged offences took place in 2015.

Mr Garrott, 57, has been suspended pending the outcome of the court case and released on conditional bail by the court ahead of a trial scheduled for February 2017.

A spokesman for Icknield Infant and Nursery School said: “Mr Garrott is suspended from his duties at the school pending the outcome of the investigation and court proceedings. The charges do not relate to his employment at the school and strict bail conditions have been set by the court.

“I would like to reassure parents that the school is working in co-operation with the police and Herts County Council and is committed to providing a safe environment for its pupils. We are unable to comment further due to the ongoing court proceedings.”