Kisimul suspension lifted by Ofsted

Ofsted has lifted the suspension of the registration at Kisimul’s school accommodation in Swinderby, but the police investigation is still ongoing into serious safeguarding concerns.

As previously reported, two more people were arrested and questioned to take the number of arrests up to eight during the investigation, which has been dubbed Operation Hendon.

Ofsted initially suspended the registration of the children’s boarding home in November 2018, although the school itself remained open as normal during that time.

Now that the suspension has been lifted, the school’s accommodation can admit children. Kisimul is now working with parents, local authorities and social works so that the children can return to the home as soon as possible.

It will be open subject to strict conditions, with additional safeguarding measures being put in place.

A spokesperson for Ofsted said: “We can confirm that we have now lifted the suspension of the registration of this children’s home, which means that it can now open and admit children with certain conditions.

“We to work with the police as they continue their investigation.

“Following an update from the police on the progress of their investigations, we have agreed the home can open subject to strict conditions and additional safeguarding measures being put in place. We will be closely monitoring the home to ensure these are kept to”.

Eight people, all from Lincoln, were previously arrested – four women (aged 52, 57, 34, and 53) and two men (aged 56 and 27) – who were bailed to return to police at a later date. Two further people were arrested, with a further interviewed under caution, but their ages and genders have not been confirmed by police yet.

A Kisimul School spokesperson said: “At the Kisimul Children’s Home, Swinderby, the safety of our children is our absolute priority. We are committed to delivering high quality education and care for all the children we work with.

“We are very pleased that the temporary suspension of the registration of the children’s home has ended and will not be extended.

“Our focus is now on working closely with parents, local authorities and social workers so the children are able to return to the home as soon as possible, as most appropriate for them, and with minimal further disruption.

“The safety and wellbeing of the children in our care is paramount and we will continue to work closely with Ofsted during this process.

“We are also continuing to fully support the police as they seek to conclude their investigation. It would not be appropriate to comment further ahead of its completion.”

The school was previously rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2016 and is understood to still currently have this rating.