Inquiry into kids’ home allegations nearing end
REVIEW AND STAFF COVER COST £174K
AN independent inquiry into alleged abuse at a council-run children’s home in Southwell has already cost £46,000.
Six staff remain suspended since allegations were made in April – and £128,568 has so far been spent on temporary staff to cover the absences.
Minster View is a Nottinghamshire County Council-run children’s home with a six-bed residential unit for young people aged nine to 19 with severe learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.
There are also six beds for shorter stays.
In April, it emerged that six of the 47 staff at the unit had been suspended.
Nottinghamshire Police conducted inquiries but said in August that no further action would be taken.
But immediately after the allegations were made, an independent review was commissioned by the county council and this is now drawing to a conclusion.
Yesterday, the council approved a spending request for the £46,170 for the inquiry and £128,568 for temporary staff.
A report said: “As a consequence of commissioning an independent review and providing interim replacement staffing to ensure continuity of care for service users, the council will face additional costs. The care of vulnerable children is the council’s highest priority and, due to the nature of the concerns raised, an independent investigation was considered to be the only viable and safe option.”
Steve Edwards, the council’s service director for youth, families and social, said: “The investigation at Minster View is drawing to a conclusion and we will be informing parents and carers of the outcomes in due course.”