The London Borough of Camden has been severely criticised for the way it dealt with allegations of sexual, physical and emotional abuse at a residential special school for boys with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

An independent inquiry, led by child protection expert Barbara Kahan, found little evidence to support abuse claims, but said Camden's handling of the issue at the time left senior staff feeling gagged.

Camden education department took over responsibility for Stockgrove Park in Buckinghamshire in 1990. Buckinghamshire social services department became responsible for child protection investigations in 1992, while Camden retained responsibility for the school. However, there was little contact between them about policies or procedures until May 1993, by which time the school was in 'a state of crisis', says the report.

Camden closed the school in 1994, and a year later commissioned the inquiry into claims by the head teacher that pupils had been emotionally and physically abused before his appointment in 1992.

It also considered anonymous allegations, made while the school was open, against the head teacher and his wife about 'unacceptable practices'. The education department believed they were made by members of staff, and instructed them to stop criticising. The inquiry found no evidence against the head teacher or staff. But: 'silencing staff creates a dangerous environment and a culture in which abuse of children can thrive,' it said.

Another member of staff was accused of sexually abusing pupils. After a disciplinary hearing he was reinstated, but within two months he was suspended again. This time the police were involved and he was dismissed, although no charges were brought. Camden and the police force are re-interviewing former pupils in connection with that allegation.

By Natalie Valios