An inquiry into allegations of the sexual abuse and exploitation of children residing at or attending Cambridge House Boys’ Hostel, Knowl View School, and other institutions where their placement was arranged or provided by Rochdale Borough Council.
Scope of investigation
1. The Inquiry will investigate:
1.1. whether boys who resided at or attended Cambridge House Boys’ Hostel and/or Knowl View School were the subject of sexual abuse, including by former Liberal Party MP, Cyril Smith;
1.2. the extent to which children who resided at Knowl view School were subject to sexual exploitation outside the school premises;
1.3. whether, during the same period, children residing at or attending other institutions (where their placement was arranged or provided by rochdale Council) were also subject to sexual abuse;
1.4. the extent to which Rochdale Council, law enforcement agencies, prosecuting authorities, the security and/or intelligence agencies, and/or other public authorities were aware of allegations of sexual abuse concerning children who resided at Cambridge House or Knowl View and failed to take appropriate steps in response to it;
1.5. whether any public authority hindered or prevented the effective investigation of such abuse including whether there was inappropriate interference in law enforcement investigations and/or prosecutorial decisions in relation to the abuse.
2. Where a sufficient evidential basis exists, the Inquiry will make findings on:
2.1. the nature and extent of the sexual abuse which took place at Cambridge House, Knowl View and at other institutions children were attending or residing at during the relevant period
2.2. the nature and extent of the failings of Rochdale Council, law enforcement agencies, prosecuting authorities, the security and/or intelligence agencies, and/or other public authorities or statutory agencies to protect children from sexual abuse;
2.3. the extent to which children who were sexually abused may have had special educational needs and/or any other form of special need or vulnerability and whether that may have made them more vulnerable to sexual abuse.
2.4. the adequacy of support and reparations offered to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse who were abused while residing at or attending Cambridge House and Knowl View School.
3. In light of the investigations set out above, the Inquiry will publish a report setting out its findings, lessons learned, and recommendations to improve child protection and safeguarding in England and Wales
Cambridge House, Knowl View and Rochdale - Definition of Scope