Specialist school fined following death of vulnerable teen

A children’s care home owner has been fined £2,400 following the death of a 15-year-old in its care.

Hillcrest Care Ltd admitted employing insufficiently experienced staff at Pentwyn School, near Hay-on-Wye, Powys, and not checking their fitness to work there.

Cardiff Magistrates’ Court heard vulnerable teenager, Jordan Woonton, was not kept under the observation he should have been.

An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned by District Judge Williams.

Bringing the prosecution to court, The Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) said:” Vulnerable children should be protected from harm. This includes making sure that there are enough staff available with sufficient skills and experience to make sure they are protected.

“The care and welfare of vulnerable children in homes in Wales is a significant matter of public interest which is why the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales, on behalf of the Welsh Ministers, pursued this prosecution.”

“We are pleased Hillcrest Care Ltd pleaded guilty. The company admitted that there were insufficient staff with suitable skills and experience on duty the night Jordan died. Necessary visual checks on Jordan were not carried out. We are pleased also that the company pleaded guilty and admitted that, in one case, they had not undertaken the relevant Criminal Records Bureau checks.”

District Judge Williams endorsed the decision to investigate and prosecute as worthwhile and in the public interest.

The CSSIW carried out an investigation following the incident in June 2012 and decided that there was sufficient evidence to prosecute the company for “significant failures of care”.

Following sentencing, a Hillcrest spokesman said the company was “profoundly saddened” by Jordan’s death.

“Following this tragic event we rigorously reviewed every care, safety and wellbeing procedure in each of our homes and schools to minimise the risk of something similar happening again,” he said.

“We continue to focus on providing the highest quality care and education to dozens of adults and children, and their safety remains our highest priority.

“Once again we extend our deepest sympathies to the young man’s family.”

Pentwyn School was registered as a children’s home and closed in February 2013.