The Wings School in Milnthorpe, Cumbria, recently faced serious allegations of abuse from former students following its closure in July 2023. The school was purportedly a facility aimed at caring for vulnerable young people, yet it has come under scrutiny after findings by Ofsted highlighted concerning practices regarding physical interventions used on pupils. Reportedly, these interventions resulted in “pupils subjected to excessive force and unsafe holds,” raising alarm bells for child welfare advocates and society alike.
Former students have voiced frustrations over their experiences at Wings School, expressing that their complaints of abuse were often dismissed and that they were labeled as “troublemakers.” This perception appears to stem from their backgrounds in the care system, which led them to feel marginalized and unheard. The troubling accounts from three former pupils, who felt their serious allegations were not taken seriously, underscore a recurring issue of institutional failure to support vulnerable youth adequately. Although a spokesperson from the school claimed that all complaints were taken seriously and investigated thoroughly, the former students’ feelings tell a different story.
Legal representatives, such as Oakwood Solicitors, are now investigating almost 30 individual cases related to allegations of abuse at Wings School — a number that has almost doubled over the previous month. These complaints predominantly revolve around physical assaults and excessive restraints, with a small subset of sexual abuse allegations. Authorities have also been notified, with police expressing that they are actively investigating these claims, indicating ongoing concern regarding the welfare of former students.
Among the voices seeking justice is former pupil Harvey Benson, who narrates alarming incidents concerning physical restraints by staff that escalated to violence, such as being kneed in the ribs. Despite Benson’s repeated attempts to report these incidents to various authorities, he faced disbelief and dismissal, particularly during his interactions with police. One officer’s response was particularly damning, stating, “Well that’s how I treat my kids if they were misbehaving.” Benson’s experience reflects a broader culture of victim-blaming, where children in care are often discredited, further entrenching their trauma.
The investigation surfaced further troubling insights into the school’s operational practices. A June inspection by Ofsted revealed that staff received directives not to adhere to safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures when serious concerns arose, which directly jeopardized the safety of pupils. Alarmingly, between 2015 and 2024, there were 245 reports regarding abuse made to Westmorland and Furness Council, confirming a widespread issue of trust being undermined for young individuals in care.
Ellis Robertson, another former student, recounted feelings of hopelessness when his allegations were ignored. Following his own reports of staff assault, he felt victimized and found little support from those who were supposed to protect him, further highlighting the urgent need for reform in how care homes handle allegations of abuse.
Experts in the field are calling for an independent investigation into the claims against Wings School, recognizing the particular vulnerability of children in care. Teesside University’s professor of psychology, Nadia Wager, emphasizes that such victims are often seen as troublesome, leading to a culture where their allegations may not be taken seriously. Highlighting the overdue need for robust policies and protections for these young individuals is crucial to institute accountability among all actors involved with care homes.
The Kedleston Group, which managed Wings School, has remained reticent regarding specific allegations, though they have asserted their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the children under their care. Meanwhile, external authorities, including Cumbria Police, are collaborating with several agencies to ensure a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations, affirming their duty in providing support to any victims throughout this challenging process.
In light of these serious allegations and the uncovering of systemic issues within the Wings School, it is vital for both current and former pupils in care to be listened to and taken seriously when reporting abuse. The need for comprehensive reforms within the residential care system has never been more urgent to prevent such tragedies moving forward.
