Former Pupils Allege Ignored Abuse Claims at Closed Cumbria School

Ex-students of Wings School Cumbria claim allegations of abuse were dismissed, leading to legal proceedings and investigations.

Former students of the now-closed Wings School Cumbria in Milnthorpe have come forward alleging that their reports of abuse were not adequately addressed by the authorities.

The residential school, which catered to vulnerable young individuals, ceased operations in July following an Ofsted inspection that highlighted excessive use of force in physical interventions.

Solicitors from Oakwood Solicitors are currently managing nearly 30 cases related to these allegations, with claims extending from physical assaults during excessive restraints to a smaller number of instances involving sexual abuse.

This is a significant increase from previous reports.

The accusations gained traction after a December investigation by the police into abuse allegations at a school in South Cumbria.

Former pupil Harvey Benson has actively campaigned for reform, asserting that during physical restraints, staff members were excessively forceful.

Benson recounted incidents where he was kneed during such encounters and claimed that his reports to police, social workers, and Ofsted were initially sidelined, with authorities dismissing their complaints as troublemaking.

Ellis Robertson, another former attendee, shared similar experiences, describing how his reports of assault were 'brushed under the carpet'.

Robertson emphasized the detrimental psychological impact and expressed a desire for children in care to have their voices heard.

The Ofsted inspection in June found alarming inadequacies in safeguarding procedures, with staff allegedly being advised against following established protocols.

This revelation aligns with data obtained from a Freedom of Information request showing 245 allegations of abuse reported to Westmorland and Furness Council from 2015 to 2024, of which 41 were substantiated.

Solicitor Molly Frost, representing the claimants, stressed the significance of providing justice for children in care, who are often viewed as less credible due to their backgrounds.

Meanwhile, Professor Nadia Wager from Teesside University highlighted the systemic culture of victim-blaming that often impacts children in care, further discouraging them from reporting abuse.

Kedleston Group, which managed the school, maintained that the wellbeing of children was their utmost priority, asserting that all allegations were taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.

Ofsted affirmed its commitment to safeguarding, reiterating the serious nature of the allegations and its proactive role in addressing concerns.

Cumbria Police continue to investigate, working alongside partner agencies to support alleged victims and encourage anyone with information to come forward.

The case highlights broader challenges faced by care institutions in ensuring the safety and trust of vulnerable populations, with ongoing legal and social efforts aimed at improving oversight and safeguarding practices.