Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Kids’ home run by Kate charity shut down over harm risks
Ofsted inspector blasts staff and tells of ‘serious child protection allegations’
A CHILDREN’S home run by a charity supported by the Princess of Wales has been deemed unsafe.
Care at the site for kids with learning disabilities has been suspended after a damning report by an inspector.
Ofsted said “serious child protection allegations were being investigated” and accused staff of not knowing how to safeguard children. The facility is operated by Action for Children, which runs 14 children’s homes in England and has Kate as a patron.
The charity is also backed by dozens of celebrities including broadcasters Sir Trevor McDonald, Angela Rippon and Emily Maitlis.
Ofsted’s report states: “The inspector was aware that serious child protection allegations were being investigated by the appropriate authorities.
“Staff spoken to by the inspector not know how to report safeguarding concerns appropriately. There has been minimal action by managers and leaders to ensure that staff understand good safeguarding practice.
“Marks and injuries to children have not been recorded or reported appropriately. There is a lack of detail in recording and insufficient professional curiosity demonstrated by managers.”
The short-break home, not named in the report, was inspected on March 14 and 15. It was rated “inadequate” and suspended by
Ofsted on March 16. An
Ofsted spokesman said: “The home’s registration is currently suspended, and we continue to monitor while improvements are being made.”
Action for Children’s website says: “The Princess of Wales has an interest in many of the areas we work in… her support has included visiting children at our services and speaking out on the importance of key areas of our work.”
There is no suggestion of wrongdid doing by Kate or other backers. Kensington Palace declined to comment.
Action for Children, which is paid by a local authority to run the centre, said: “We are deeply sorry this service has not met our usual high standards. Just 13 months ago its rating was ‘Good’.
“We are working immediately to address the issues with a comprehensive Ofsted action plan.”
The charity went on: “We challenged some of Ofsted report’s findings which we think were inaccurate.” An independent investigation found no child protection concerns, it added.
A spokesman for the local authority said: “We can confirm immediate child protection enquiries that are necessary in events such as this have concluded with no further action.
“Nine individuals were in receipt of services at the facility and all have been found alternative care. We continue to liaise closely with all families
involved.”
Serious allegations were investigated… we will continue to monitor while the improvements are being made there