Sue Peacock SEND-Support is aware of the airing of BBC Panorama on 17 June 2024, which showed undercover footage of children being abused within an independent school on Wirral with Sue interviewed in relation to the setting.
We know this may be alarming to parents and families, and many of our clients have expressed concern and asked how they can ensure their children remain safe in school.
We would like to assure people that this is not our experience of all schools. However, we have a safeguarding policy that we take incredibly seriously. We would always seek to raise any concerns to the appropriate persons should we become aware of information that may place children at risk.
In this instance, all our safeguarding procedures were followed as soon as we were aware of the issues. There was contact with LADO and Integrated Front Door to raise safeguarding concerns. Furthermore, meetings were held with senior staff at Wirral Council to include the SEN manager and the then Deputy Director (now Director of Children’s Services). At that time, a direct request to stop placing children in the setting due to serious safeguarding concerns was made; however, regrettably, not actioned.
We will continue to support any families that are affected directly and confirm there has not been and will be no costs incurred for such families who approach our service.