Reports of Calcot abuse prompt calls for reform of children’s social care in UK

BBC investigation alleges assault and grooming incidents at homes, schools and housing run by firm

Ministers are facing calls for urgent reform of the children's residential care system in the wake of shocking reports of vulnerable youngsters being abused and sexually assaulted at homes run by a private firm making huge profits.

A BBC investigation revealed a series of alleged safeguarding incidents in which youngsters were put at risk in homes, schools and supported housing run by Calcot Services for Children, including assault, grooming and child-on-child sexual abuse.

A 28-year-old Calcot head office staff member was jailed after abusing his position by grooming and having sex with a 17-year-old while redeployed as a support worker at a supported living accommodation.

A girl at a Calcot home with significant learning difficulties who was known to be at risk of absconding, repeatedly fled, once with a boy, and twice attempted to take her own life, in one instance being rescued from the side of a nearby river bridge.