Staff at Hesley Group residential school are cleared of charges, in spite of 95 alleged cases of child neglect
It has been determined that there will be no charges brought against staff who stood accused of the alleged abuse of 95 vulnerable children at Hesley Group residential special school, near Doncaster, as a four-year police investigation draws to a close.
It was found after a national safeguarding review that residents faced ‘systemic and sustained’ abuse and neglect at three of Hesley Group’s children’s homes.
Of these, two were super-sized and were home to numerous vulnerable children. Many had disabilities, were non-verbal and living far away from home.
Abuses reported:
- Physical assaults: Children were punched, kicked in the stomach, and locked outside naked.
- Emotional and psychological abuse: Staff allegedly fed children chili flakes, left them in soiled clothes, and poured vinegar on open wounds.
- Neglect and oversight failures: Over 100 documented incidents (2018-2021), with Ofsted reportedly being alerted 40 times, yet maintaining a ‘good’ rating for the homes.
Two years prior to the closure of the site, the chief executive of the time, Chris McSharry, received several emails which voiced concerns of a ‘culture of institutional abuse’.
On top of this, Hesley Group management failed to act when members of the public cried out for help when reporting abuse at Fullerton House.
Oliver’s story – Survivor testimony
A survivor, named Oliver, was placed with Hesley in 2019 and has complex needs and autism.
Oliver’s Mother, Maria, would visit often and find that he had no underwear and bruises which had no explanation for being there. A witness later informed her that a member of staff had been seen strangling him whilst on a school trip.
An officer informed her that her son is one of over 100 young people who are feared to have been harmed whilst in placements. These placements cost around £250,000 to local authorities for the care of each individual young person.
The investigation findings and verdict
In October 2022, an expert panel found the children suffered ‘severe abuse and neglect’ in their homes. Stating it was ‘profoundly shocking’ that this could have occurred in ‘plain sight’ of multiple public agencies.
95 cases have already been concluded by South Yorkshire Police. Unfortunately, families were informed that no charges would be filed against employees who are alleged to have abused their position, due to evidentiary challenge.
11 cases in this complex and sensitive investigation remain ongoing, the force also stated.
They also added that they will remain committed to considering all available data and anticipate its conclusions in the coming weeks.
DCI Rebecca Hodgman said:
“Everyone at the heart of our investigation is under safeguarded protection, and they and their families continue to be at the forefront of our minds as we continue this work.”
Public reaction and calls for justice
Many people now doubt the responsibility of individuals in charge of monitoring these homes as a result of this judgement.
Maria, the survivor’s mother, called it a ‘broken system’ and it is ‘disgusting’ that no one was charged with the alleged abuse.
Oliver’s mother Maria said:
“Vulnerable disabled children are just being ignored. It was such gross abuse but still no one has been held accountable, and the company is still operating.”
The Hesley Group statement
The Hesley Group said it had closed the homes as a result of the investigations, recognising that failings had been identified, and was ‘deeply sorry’ to those who had been affected.
It said it was now focused on running its adult placements.
In light of the police’s update on the investigation, a spokesperson for the Hesley Group said:
“Our team continues to cooperate fully with the investigation and engage as openly as possible with our affected colleagues and the families of those we care for and support.”
Conclusion
In spite of overwhelming evidence of abuse and neglect, legal challenges have resulted in no charges against Hesley Group staff. As a result, families continue to fight for justice, calling for systemic reform to prevent such failures from every happening again.
Further reading
Physical abuse – AbuseClaims.co.uk
Institutional abuse claims – Oakwood Solicitors
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