Mark Whitehead 20 April 2023

Safeguarding overhaul called for after ‘horrific’ child abuse case

Safeguarding overhaul called for after ‘horrific’ child abuse case  image
Image: altanaka / Shutterstock.com.

Local authority leaders have called for more powers to hold local partners to account after a review into the ‘horrific’ abuse of children with disabilities at the Hesley Group of homes.

Children with disabilities and complex health needs faced abuse while at the Hesley Group of homes, including being punched, kicked and fed chillies, an expert safeguarding panel has said.

The panel criticised inadequate leadership at the Hesley Group which ran the homes as well as failures of regulation, and said a major overhaul of the safeguarding system was needed.

Ofsted issued warnings after more than 100 incidents at the homes despite also rating the homes as ‘good’.

Responding to the review, Lucy Nethsingha, deputy chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) children and young people board, said: ‘The treatment suffered by children in settings operated by the Hesley Group is both unacceptable and deeply distressing.

‘The findings of the national panel must be an urgent call to action for the entire sector to make sure that children with disabilities and complex health needs receive the support they need in settings where they are safe and well cared for.

‘There are clear opportunities through planned children’s social care and SEND reforms to implement these recommendations, if they are adequately funded.

‘As this report rightly identifies, supporting these children well requires the commitment of a range of partners.

‘To help ensure this happens, councils should be given additional powers to hold local partners, including health and schools, to account for their role in supporting children with SEND.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner