Abuse inquiry into school for vulnerable pupils

Cumbria Police said it had received reports of abuse at the former Wings School

A residential school for vulnerable pupils is being investigated over allegations of abuse.

Cumbria Police is looking into the claims which the BBC understands relate to Wings School Cumbria in Milnthorpe. It was closed on 2 July.

In June, some pupils told Ofsted inspectors they were being subjected to "inappropriate use of restrictive physical intervention and, at times, sustaining injuries inflicted by staff".

A spokeswoman for Kedleston Group, which runs the school, said: "We are fully co-operating with the ongoing external investigation and we will continue to assist however we can."

Wings School Cumbria was an independent residential school for pupils aged between nine and 17 who had social, emotional and mental health difficulties and specific learning difficulties.

Allegations against the school were revealed on Tuesday in an investigation by ITV News Border.

Wings School Cumbria was shut in July

One former Wings pupil emailed the BBC last month alleging they were the victim of physical assault, verbal abuse and bullying by staff members.

"I witnessed numerous instances of other children being assaulted, bullied, and emotionally abused," they told the BBC, adding: "Children were often locked in rooms during Ofsted inspections to hide the true conditions of the school."

Ofsted's emergency inspection in June reported the "majority of pupils who spoke to inspectors said that they did not have an adult in school who they trust to confide in with any worries or concerns".

It added: "Some leaders and staff use restrictive physical intervention on pupils as a strategy for discipline and compliance, not solely when pupils or staff are at risk of harm.

"The school's physical intervention practice is unsafe with pupils subject to excessive force and unsafe holds."

Inspectors added the school was "not following its own policy and procedures for reporting and recording the use of restrictive physical intervention".

'Last resort'

Kedleston Group said: "At this time, and to our knowledge, no claim of misconduct relating to any member of staff has resulted in further action being taken by the authorities.

"The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a responsibility we take very seriously.

"In relation to physical intervention, it is our organisation-wide policy that this should only ever be used as a last resort and only to keep a child, or those around them, safe.

"Where concerns are raised, these are reported to all relevant authorities and fully investigated. Should any issue be identified, positive and proactive action is taken."

Cumbria Police said its investigation was being run by its major incident team, working closely with a number of partner agencies.

The force said its investigation would seek to identify anyone who was an alleged victim of abuse by employees while attending the school.

"This is a far-reaching investigation which spans many individuals and a number of agencies and one we expect to take some time to establish the facts," a spokeswoman said.

"At this point we can't give any details about findings or specific allegations; our sole focus is ensuring any victims are being fully supported throughout this difficult time."

The force urged anyone with information to come forward.