Police investigation into assault claims at children’s care home near Market Rasen

Acacia Hall, in the small village of Friesthorpe, offers residential provision for neurodivergent children and young people, who have additional complex learning needs.

Lincolnshire Police said they are investigating allegations of assault relating to some residents of Acacia Hall.

A police spokesperson said inquiries are ongoing and they continue to work with the local authorities and the care home’s operators.

Ofsted have also suspended the licence for the residential facility, run by special education and care provider Kisimul, which is based in Swinderby, near Lincoln.

An Ofsted spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have suspended the registration of Acacia Hall.

“We are working closely with other agencies, including the police, as they carry out their investigation.”

They were unable to comment further at this stage.

The facility has access to extended grounds with various leisure facilities and an onsite small holding with livestock and ponies. Children access nearby Acacia School, also run by Kisimul, as day pupils for their education alongside children from other homes and the children from local authorities.

A spokesperson for Kisimul said they were unable to comment as they are in an ongoing process with authorities, but they wished to add that the neighbouring Acacia School is not under investigation. “It continues to operate as normal supporting pupils with special educational needs from across the local area. It is neither closed or under investigation, and has a rating of Good from Ofsted.”

Tara Jones, assistant director for children’s safeguarding at Lincolnshire County Council added: “We’re aware of Ofsted’s decision to suspend the registration of Acacia Hall, and we’re supporting Lincolnshire Police with their investigation into the concerns connected to the home. We’re unable to comment further at this time as this remains a live investigation.”