December 12, 2018 1.59 pm This story is over 63 months old

More arrests over Kisimul safeguarding concerns

The investigation continues

Ofsted has suspended the registration of the children's home at the Swinderby site of the Kisimul group of schools.

Two women and a man from Lincoln were arrested as the police investigation continues into serious safeguarding concerns at the Kisimul’s school accommodation in Swinderby.

The total number of arrests is now up to six people after two women, aged 34 and 53, and a man aged 27, all from the Lincoln area, were detained.

They have all been bailed to return at a later date.

As reported at the time, a 56-year-old man and two women, aged 52 and 57, all from Lincoln were previously arrested and bailed to return at a later date as part of the investigation dubbed Operation Hendon.

The investigation continues after Ofsted suspended the registration of the children’s boarding home, but the school itself remains open as normal while police look into the matter.

All children who were boarding at the Swinderby Kisimul special needs school site near Lincoln were  temporarily moved home or to alternative accommodation.

Police said it could not give any further updates at this stage.

An Ofsted spokesperson added: “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.”

Kisimul previously issued a statement saying: “It is not appropriate to comment at this stage while the police investigation is ongoing. The safety of the young people in our care is paramount and we are fully supporting the police’s investigation.”

Reporters approached Kisimul for a further updated statement, but there was no reply by the time of publication.

The school was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2016 and still currently has this rating. Its children’s home was recently inspected and rated as ‘Good’.