The latest report by an expert safeguarding panel has revealed that Ofsted was warned on more than 100 occasions about incidents at children’s homes run by the Hesley Group, whose residents faced “horrific” abuse. The review lead said a “major overhaul” of the safeguarding system was needed to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The report found that Ofsted received 108 reports of serious incidents at the homes and that 232 referrals were received by Doncaster Council’s safeguarding lead (known as the LADO). Whistleblowers shared concerns with authorities on 20 occasions. BBC News had previously revealed how more than 100 reports of appalling abuse and neglect – between 2018 and 2021 – were uncovered at three sites, which are all now closed. The allegations included naked children being locked outside in freezing temperatures and having vinegar poured on cuts.
The review also made recommendations about what changes should be made to better protect the 1,700 children with disabilities and complex health needs living in residential special schools registered as children’s homes. These include asking Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission – which regulates health settings – to jointly inspect sites, and the government to develop a strategy for workforce standards and training.
Dr Susan Tranter, who lead the review, said the abuse “could happen again” elsewhere without changes being made. She said there was failure at every level of the regulatory and safeguarding system and the leadership and management of these settings was “woefully inadequate”.
The Hesley Group has acknowledged that serious failings in the running of the homes had been identified. It has closed the homes and made significant changes across management team. The Children’s Homes Association, the membership body for providers, welcomed the report’s recognition of the need to tackle what it called a “workforce crisis” in residential childcare.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has said that the Department for Education has received assurances that all local authorities have reviewed the safety and wellbeing of children placed in similar homes. She added that the government “will continue to work closely with the sector to make sure that children are not only safe but fulfilling their potential”.
A report by an expert safeguarding panel has revealed that Ofsted was warned on more than 100 occasions about incidents at children’s homes run by the Hesley Group, where residents faced “horrific” abuse. The review found that Ofsted received 108 reports of serious incidents, as well as 232 referrals to Doncaster Council’s safeguarding lead (LADO). Whistleblowers shared concerns with authorities on 20 occasions.
The review lead, Dr Susan Tranter, said a “major overhaul” of the safeguarding system was needed to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. She said there was failure at every level of the regulatory and safeguarding system and that the leadership and management of these settings was “woefully inadequate”.
The Hesley Group has acknowledged that serious failings in the running of the homes had been identified and has closed them, making significant changes across management team. The Children’s Homes Association welcomed the report’s recognition of the need to tackle what it called a “workforce crisis” in residential childcare.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has said that the Department for Education has received assurances that all local authorities have reviewed the safety and wellbeing of children placed in similar homes. She added that the government will continue to work closely with the sector to ensure children are safe and fulfilling their potential.
The report recommended that Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission jointly inspect sites, as well as for the government to develop a strategy for workforce standards and training. It is hoped that these changes will help to better protect vulnerable children living in residential special schools registered as children’s homes.