Special needs school boarding home shut by Ofsted

Ofsted has suspended the registration of the children’s boarding home at the Swinderby Kisimul schools site due to serious safeguarding concerns.

The school will remain open as normal while Lincolnshire Police lead an investigation into the matter concerning the accommodation site.

Kisimul is an autism school for children with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.

A spokesperson for Ofsted said: “We have suspended the registration of the children’s home after being made aware of serious safeguarding concerns.

“These have been referred to the police and relevant local authorities. It would be inappropriate to comment further while an investigation is underway.”

A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said: “We are investigating, along with relevant authorities, a safeguarding concern at the children’s home at the Swinderby site of the Kisimul Group.

“No arrests have been made and as the investigation is ongoing we will not be commenting further at this stage.”

The school is an independent institution so doesn’t fall under the responsibility of the county council, but the council said they are aware of the situation and are working with parents and carers to find alternative provisions for where they do have children placed at the home.

Assistant Director of Children’s Services at Lincolnshire County Council, Heather Sandy, said: “Ofsted have informed us that they have suspended the registration of the children’s home at the Swinderby site of the Kisimul group of schools, after they were made aware of serious safeguarding concerns.

“These concerns have been referred to the police who will be leading an investigation.

“Where we do have children placed at the home, we are working together with parents and carers and making arrangements to find alternative provision. This does not affect the Kisimul School which remains an outstanding school.”

Kisimul statement

The school are working closely with parents, local authorities and social workers to move their young people to temporary alternative accommodation.

A Kisimul School spokesperson said: “At Kisimul School the safety of our pupils is our top priority. We are committed to delivering high quality care and education and providing a safe environment for the children we work with.

“Our primary focus at this time is to ensure that all of the young people at the children’s home are properly supported and cared for. We are working closely with parents, local authorities and social workers to ensure that our young people are temporarily moved to the most appropriate alternative accommodation while this investigation is underway.

“We take all allegations very seriously and always ensure they are thoroughly investigated, in conjunction with the relevant external bodies. Our staff are fully co-operating with the police as they conduct their investigation. As this is ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”