INVESTIGATION UNCOVERS CHILD ABUSE AT DANESFORD APPROVED SCHOOL IN THE UK

BBC investigative reports into historical child abuse allegations—documented in files at the UK’s National Archives—have shed light on how various schools handled such claims. Among these records is mention of Danesford Approved School.

Danesford was a facility catering to younger boys, many of whom were vulnerable children. The first report of sexual abuse originated from a mother who had heard that another boy had been subjected to "minor interference" by a staff member. The mother reportedly hoped her son would not suffer the same treatment, as the file states.

An investigation was launched into the complaint, and a staff member was questioned. It emerged that this individual had previously been cautioned for spending excessive time alone with boys. The file notes, "There was however no reason to believe that [name redacted] had any homosexual inclinations and the warning was intended to protect the staff member from possible allegations by boys exploiting the publicity value of such charges." This comment reflects the era’s typical perceptions, where children’s complaints were often viewed skeptically.

In this case, the boy was interviewed and claimed he had been repeatedly indecently assaulted by the staff member. The alleged perpetrator was suspended and later interviewed by police. The file states, "After first denying the allegations he broke down and confessed to offences against boys over a period of three years but mostly in the last few weeks." The man became highly agitated, prompting police concern for his safety. The headmaster intervened, offering him a room at his own house, and the following day, he was taken to his parents’ home. The record indicates he was sentenced to nine months in prison.

Six years later, authorities were contacted again when a boy reported that a staff member had "interfered" with him in the early hours. The school chose not to call the police, considering the incident not a sexual assault. The Home Office agreed, deeming it a minor matter and noting, "In the absence of any corroborative evidence it seemed unlikely the police would be able to prosecute."

A spokesperson for Action for Children expressed outrage: "We are appalled by those who have abused the trust of the very children they should have been protecting. The voices of children must always be heard—keeping them safe is our highest priority and we have robust procedures in place to do so."

The current inquiry

These files—and any newly uncovered ones—will serve as vital background for the ongoing investigation. They reveal prevailing attitudes during that period, especially among government officials responsible for inspecting approved schools and orphanages—individuals from whom, from today’s perspective, more decisive action could have been expected.

A Home Office spokesperson affirmed, "Child sexual abuse is a vile and abhorrent crime, no matter where and when it has been committed. We are continuing to see appalling cases that show serious failings by public bodies and important institutions. That is why the government is establishing an independent panel of experts to consider whether these organizations have upheld their duty of care to protect children from sexual abuse."

The casual and seemingly indifferent approach to child rape spanning decades is difficult to comprehend. Early as the late 1940s, some officials and police recognized the issue and attempted to take action. Notably, a senior civil servant urged the then director of public prosecutions to confront school governors responsible for covering up abuse. Nonetheless, most records highlight how many in positions of power viewed abuse as an almost inevitable—but unpleasant—aspect of the system. As Ian McCallum observed, there was virtually no concern expressed for the victims’ well-being.

See also Cheshire/Merseyside children homes convictions.

Danesford School – A NCH Approved School