ALAN STEWART AND THE TRAGIC FALLOUT AT NEW BARN'S SCHOOL IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND TODDINGTON

In February 1994, a highly controversial and emotionally charged case unfolded involving the staff and administration of New Barns School, a long-established institution in Gloucestershire dedicated to caring for children with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties. The case drew widespread attention not only because of the serious allegations but also due to the complex debates surrounding child welfare, institutional practices, and legal procedures.

New Barns School, founded in 1965 with the support of renowned child care pioneer David Wills, was known for its therapeutic approach to helping children with challenging behaviors. Located in Gloucestershire, the school had a reputation for providing specialized care for children aged six to twelve, many of whom faced significant emotional difficulties. The school’s history was marred by a series of investigations and allegations that culminated in a lengthy trial involving multiple staff members, including Alan Stewart, a former care assistant.

The trial was initiated after a four-year police investigation that was triggered by a disturbing discovery in May 1992. Customs officers intercepted a package containing child pornography addressed to Peter Righton, a prominent figure associated with the school and a known supporter of its founding principles. Righton, who shared his home with Richard Alston, the head teacher of New Barns, was later fined £900 for possessing pornographic material. His arrest and the subsequent investigation cast a shadow over the school’s reputation and raised questions about the safety and welfare of the children in its care.

Following the discovery, Gloucestershire social services convened a meeting with representatives from all 15 authorities responsible for placing children at New Barns. As a result, ten authorities decided to withdraw their children from the school, citing concerns over safety and the need for further investigation. The school’s governors, faced with mounting scrutiny, decided to send the remaining children home early for the summer break, effectively closing the school temporarily. During this period, the police and social services launched a detailed investigation into the school’s practices and staff.

One of the most contentious issues was the existence of a small, windowless room known as the ‘snug,’ used for isolating children. This room, which was not previously disclosed to parents or external agencies, became a focal point of controversy. Critics argued that the ‘snug’ was a form of punishment and a symbol of cruel treatment, while defenders claimed it was a means of calming tense situations and maintaining order. The debate over its purpose and the methods employed at New Barns became emblematic of broader concerns about child care practices in residential settings.

Amid the investigation, Alan Stewart was charged in April 1993 with the sexual assault of three girl pupils. He was later convicted and sentenced to four years in prison. The trial also examined allegations of cruelty and false imprisonment, particularly concerning the use of the ‘snug’ and other disciplinary measures. The prosecution argued that the school’s practices were abusive and that staff had engaged in misconduct, while the defense contended that the methods used were within the bounds of acceptable discipline and that the allegations were based on misunderstandings or misrepresentations.

The trial’s outcome was a mixed verdict. The jury cleared the staff of cruelty and conspiracy to falsely imprison, but the case ignited a fierce debate about the appropriateness of the school’s disciplinary methods. Critics argued that the prosecution was based on assumptions and that the investigation was driven by a desire to find guilt by association rather than concrete evidence of abuse. Supporters maintained that the authorities acted responsibly in investigating potential abuse and that the legal process was necessary to protect children.

Throughout the proceedings, questions arose about the role of social services, the police, and the Crown Prosecution Service. Some believed that the case was mishandled, leading to unnecessary trauma for the children and staff involved. The long delay in the trial and the subsequent closure of New Barns resulted in the loss of a facility that had served children for over 27 years, many of whom reportedly benefited from its therapeutic environment.

In the broader context, the case highlighted the ongoing challenges in safeguarding children in residential care. It underscored the importance of clear definitions and standards for therapeutic communities, as well as the need for transparency and accountability in child care practices. The controversy also reflected wider societal concerns about child abuse scandals, with some advocating for reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Alan Stewart, whose name became synonymous with this tragic chapter, was a resident of Toddington at the time of the trial. His case remains a stark reminder of the complexities involved in balancing child protection with fair legal processes. As the debate continues, many call for a more nuanced understanding of what constitutes abuse and how best to protect vulnerable children without undermining the integrity of dedicated care institutions.