Doncaster one of worst places in England for child abuse in care homes, report finds

Almost 1,300 reports of abuse against children living in unregulated care were made across the country in just two years, The Mail on Sunday has said.

And Doncaster – alongside Lancashire and Hillingdon - was one of the authorities with the highest numbers.

Cases related to sexual abuse, exploitation, physical abuse and trafficking.

It says most reports are for those aged 14 to 17 but children as young as 11 are also housed.

According to the Government website, ‘unregulated provision’ is permitted ‘when children (usually over the age of 16) need support to live independently rather than needing full-time care’.

It is not subject to regulation by education watchdog Ofsted but instead falls under the responsibility of individual councils.

The Department for Education said: ‘We are taking action to ensure that placement practice is appropriate and this provision is more consistently good.’