Learning review recommended for Holland Park School

Published: Monday 20 September 2021

The Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) has announced a learning review into Holland Park School. Our local safeguarding children procedures require that any allegations against a member of staff working with children are investigated and the Council supports this review. Senior leaders and the school’s governing body have also welcomed it.

A three-month timescale is expected for the review and an independent person will be appointed to lead the process. If additional issues come to light during the review, these will be investigated in accordance with statutory guidance. If you are aware of further safeguarding issues you wish to report, please contact the Local Authority Designation Officer (email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7361 3031 and ask for the LADO on duty) who will coordinate the investigation.

A spokesperson for the LSCP said:

"An extraordinary meeting has been held by the multi-agency Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) to consider the concerns raised in relation to Holland Park School. The meeting recommended a learning review with an independent lead which will be supported by representatives from the school, the local authority, the health service and the police service.

Given the complexity of the review an independent person will be appointed by the LSCP to lead the process. A three-month timescale is expected for the review which will provide the opportunity to reflect and learn collectively. 

The LSCP take the welfare and safety of all children very seriously and will continue to work closely with the school with the best interest of students at heart. If additional issues come to light during the review, these will be referred to the Local Authority Safeguarding Service in accordance with statutory procedure and guidance. If you are aware of further safeguarding issues you wish to report, please contact the Local Authority Designation Officer (email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7361 3031 and ask for the LADO on duty)  who will coordinate the investigation."

A Kensington and Chelsea spokesperson said:

“We take the safeguarding of children very seriously. We have been working with the school, their governing body and safeguarding partners to review the school’s current arrangements and strengthen the support offer for pupils, including providing specialist officers on site to advise on safeguarding and governance.

“We fully support an independent safeguarding review into the allegations, and will continue to work with the school, students, staff and parents throughout this process.”

The Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) is the key statutory mechanism for agreeing how the relevant agencies in each local area will co-operate to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in that locality, and for ensuring the effectiveness of what they do. The Children Act 2004 requires each local Children Partnership authority to establish a Safeguarding Partnership.