Laura Sharman 03 October 2019

Six councils conned into spending thousands of pounds on illegal school

Six local authorities were duped into paying thousands of pounds to educate vulnerable children in an unsafe illegal school.

An Ofsted investigation found the local authorities were paying £1,200 a week to have children with highly complex physical and mental health needs sent to Freiston Hall in Lincolnshire.

However, the investigation revealed it was an unregistered school that was unlikely to meet Government standards. It had failed to carry out necessary staff suitability checks, to give first aid training to staff, and to supervise pupils adequately.

Despite a warning from Ofsted, it continued to operate illegally.

Amanda Spielman, Ofsted’s chief inspector, said: ‘The people running Freiston Hall were receiving large amounts of public money from local authorities, which were paying for exceptionally vulnerable children to be educated in an unregistered, unsafe school.’

‘Registration is so important. Schools operating beneath the radar are not subject to regular inspection, so we cannot be assured that they are safe or providing good quality education. We want to send a clear message to those who continue to run unregistered schools, despite being warned not to. You will face justice.

‘This case should also serve as a warning to local authorities. Decisions about placements must be made with due diligence. All local authorities should be carrying out the necessary checks to make certain that schools are registered with the Department for Education.’

Three people pleaded guilty to conducting an unregistered independent school and have received a conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Technical Support Officer

Wyre Borough Council
Grade 5 £25,992 – £27,711
This is a really exciting time to join Wyre Council, with a new Leader and Chief Executive leading our next chapter. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27934.00 - £35344.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,934 up to £35,344 Per Annum (includes allowance) equal to £14.48 to £18.32 Per HourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Years Keyworker

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
Want to make a difference for children with special educational needs in Greenwich? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Early Years Area SENCo

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£39,855 - £42,324
Have you got extensive experience in working within Early Years, with a clear understanding of child development Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Young Persons Substance Misuse Service Pathfinder

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Are you looking to change the lives of young people? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner