A GIRL of eight had to be taken to hospital from school after swallowing a poisonous chemical she found in her headteacher's office.

It is believed the youngster thought the caustic soda crystals were sherbet after spotting them in a plastic bag on a shelf.

The child had been sent to see Michael Gaskill, head of Cadishead Primary in Salford. It is understood Mr Gaskill left her alone for a few minutes and she then dipped her finger into the bag and sucked it. Mr Gaskill was alerted by the girl's screams and immediately called an ambulance.

The child was rushed to Hope Hospital and later transferred to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury. It is understood she suffered damage to her throat and windpipe.
Mr Gaskill had borrowed the powerful detergent from the school caretaker to clear drains at his home. He brought the crystals back to school to return them, but the caretaker was taken ill so the head kept them in his office.

Mr Gaskill believed he had put the caustic soda out of reach of the children.

Salford Education Authority has launched an investigation into the incident on Monday afternoon.

It has also been reported to the Health and Safety Executive, which will consider any grounds for prosecution.

Councillor John Warmisham, the city's education spokesman, said: "Children will get to places you don't expect them to. But I am surprised that caustic soda crystals were left in the office and that needs to be looked at. The child thought it was sherbet. There will be a full investigation but until then no direct action will be taken against any staff.

"The child is out of danger and there are no lasting effects that we know of."

A school spokesman said: "There was an incident on Monday in which an eight-year-old pupil ingested some caustic soda which had been in the headteacher's office in a sealed bag.

"It was due to be handed to the caretaker later that day. Fortunately, staff and her mother were on hand and were able to make sure the pupil received prompt medical assistance.

"A formal health and safety investigation will be completed and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed, in accordance with normal procedure."