Leeds children’s home suspensions

Two staff have been suspended at a Leeds children’s home and an investigation has been launched into alleged misconduct.

Squirrel Way Children’s Home in Shadwell looks after boys and girls who have been taken into local authority care.

Leeds City Council confirmed the probe, but remained tight-lipped about the nature of the allegations.

The inquiry is being carried out by the Leeds Safeguarding Children Board, which is made up of various agencies that have a responsibility for children’s welfare.

Board chairwoman Jane Held said: “Two members of staff have been suspended and an investigation is being carried out which means we cannot comment further at this stage.”

The home, on Squirrel Way off Shadwell Lane, was opened in 2005 on the site of two former homes.

It looks after children aged 11 to 17.

Alwoodley councillor Peter Harrand, whose ward includes the home, said it had a good reputation.

He said: “The home does an excellent job with some children who have led very difficult lives and we should be grateful for the work the staff do.

“These are only allegations at this stage and it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Coun Ronald Feldman added: “They do a heck of a lot of good work there. It’s a good quality home – one of the newest there is in Leeds.”

The Safeguarding Children Board includes members from Leeds Children and Young People’s Social Care, the NHS, West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Probation Service and the education authority.

It is responsible for ensuring that local organisations work together to protect children and carries out case reviews in circumstances where a child has died or been seriously harmed and abuse or neglect is suspected.