Doncaster children's home bosses promise investigation into 'abuse' allegations

Yesterday, it was revealed that Government inspectors are investigating claims that staff at Fullerton House School Children’s Home in Denaby ‘acted to deliberately harm children.’

Ofsted shut down the home last month and a shock report has revealed a string of failures at the facility which caters for children with autism, learning disabilities and challenging behaviours.

Owners the Hesley Group – whose Wilsic Hall School Children’s Home has also been shut while similar investigations are probed, has said it is working alongside Ofsted.

In a brief statement, a Hesley Group spokesman said: “We are working closely with authorities to investigate all concerns and we are in continued discussions with Ofsted on these matters.”

The investigation comes after a whistleblowing member of staff at the home in Tickhill Square flagged up ‘serious and widespread concerns’ – including physical harm to children and allegations of staff deliberately harming youngsters.

The report said: “There are serious and widespread concerns in multiple areas of practice relating to the care that children receive. This places children at serious risk of harm.

"Some children have suffered actual physical harm, either through alleged deliberate acts or through neglect of care.

“Staff do not always treat children with dignity and respect. This includes a failure to protect children’s privacy and dignity where intimate support is needed, for example while bathing.

“Not all children are safe in this home. When children have multiple and complex needs, the lack of staff training and understanding of such needs results in inappropriate interventions for some children.

“Serious allegations have been made from within the service that staff have acted to deliberately harm children.

“There is a systemic inability to safeguard and protect children.”

Fullerton House is registered as a children’s home and offers care and accommodation for up to 37 people in 16 separate houses.

At the time of the inspection in March, there were 26 children and young people living at the home.

Management at the home have now been ordered to make a string of improvements while the home remains closed.