Deaf News: Margate Deaf college closure due to abuse of residents, says regulator (via Guardian)

Posted on April 5, 2016 by



In a shocking development, it has been reported in the Guardian today that the sudden closure of a Deaf college in Margate was due to the abuse of residents by staff. The service closed suddenly in September.

In response, Brian Gale, Director of Policy and Campaigns at the National Deaf Children’s Society has now asked the government to undertake a review. He said:

“It was devastating news for many families last year when Westgate College for Deaf Young People was forced to close, without a suitable alternative education provider being available.

“We are extremely concerned about the serious nature of the safeguarding issues CQC uncovered at Westgate College for Deaf Young People as safeguarding of vulnerable children and young people is of paramount importance to us.

“The failings that have been uncovered from this inspection report demonstrate that highly vulnerable deaf children and young people have been let down by the system.  The Care Quality Commission acted swiftly but there is a need to consider whether its remit and powers could be extended to enable it ensure an improvement plan is implemented.

“We would therefore like the government to undertake a review to see what lessons can be learnt so that other children and young people do not go through the same ordeal elsewhere. We will continue to support families and young people who are still struggling to find appropriate education alternatives.”

Any families affected should contact our Helpline: call 0808 800 8880* or email us, helpline@ndcs.org.uk

Extract from the Guardian:

The sudden closure of a college for vulnerable people was due to the serious abuse of residents by staff, the health and social care regulator has revealed.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has detailed a number of shocking allegations at Westgate College for Deaf People and the Road Project, in Margate, Kent, including residents being pushed, hit and humiliated. In one case a resident allegedly had a hot cup of tea placed on their arm.

The service was run by the John Townsend Trust. As well as deaf people it also provided for those with communication, physical or learning disabilities. It closed with immediate effect last December.

Read the full story here: http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/apr/05/deaf-school-margate-westgate-college-closure-abuse-residents-says-regulator?CMP=share_btn_tw


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Posted in: deaf news