For future information, Dianne.

School personel are required to report all suspected cases of abuse to child protection agencies, not the police. The case is investigated and a child may be taken from the home if the investigation shows it could be a police matter. Generally, if a parent has not in reality abusing the child, the child returns home in a week or two. This procedure keeps the school a safe place for children to report. In most cases, school councelors, and other staff, tend to be fairly well trained to not over-react.

Of course, there are exceptions to the norm, and all schools pay for these exceptions, at the children's expense.

I hope she keeps in contact with you and that you are able to help her through this time.