Investigations are taking place at the Royal National Institute for Blind People’s (RNIB) Pears Centre for Specialist Learning near Coventry following a number of “serious incidents” reported by the charity. One recent allegation was of a “sexual nature” and was followed by the resignation of the charity’s chief executive, Sally Harvey, who joined eight months ago.

The Pears Centre is a residential facility for young people who are blind or partially sighted, as well as some who have learning difficulties or disabilities.

The Charity Commission is concerned that the incidents there may indicate that there has been a failure on the part of the RNIB to “comply with regulations designed to safeguard and protect vulnerable children” Ofsted have rated the centre “inadequate” and have threatened to withdraw its registration.