An investigation has been launched into why a severely disabled teenager suffered massive internal bleeding at a playground and why it took the authorities more than a week to explain her injuries to her mother.

Merton Council has reported the incident to Ofsted and launched an internal inquiry into the Acacia Intergenerational Centre in Grove Road, Mitcham, after 15-year-old Ciara Lewington fell through a rope bridge in the adventure playground on Monday, October 26.

Her mother, Lorraine Lewington, said she was not told about the incident when she arrived to collect Ciara, who suffers from autism and a rare brain condition that severely limits her mental capacity and ability to communicate.

Mrs Lewington, 40, said she took Ciara to St George’s Hospital after she discovered bad bruising on her groin, which was diagnosed as a haematoma, or internal bleeding – caused by torn ligaments in her thighs.

The 40-year-old, who has two other children and lives in London Road, said she contacted solicitors because it took nine days for Mandy Lawson, the centre’s acting manager, to confirm what happened.

On the day of the incident, that occurred during a half-term playgroup, she was given a form in which a worker at the centre, Priscilla Akyeampong, wrote: “Ciara went up on the climbing frame and was determined to go on top of it.

“She walked on the string, lost her balance, and fell from the string backwards on her back.”

“Ciara was comforted and encouraged to get up. She managed to get up and was taken to the main room and was given water.

"Ciara was examined and didn’t have any injuries.”

She said Ciara carried on with the session until her mother arrived.

But, after a senior management meeting held at the centre on Tuesday, October 29, involving police and Merton Council social workers, it was confirmed that Ciara had suffered her injuries by falling through the rope bridge, getting her leg caught in it, hanging upside down, and then falling to the ground.

Mrs Lewington said she was outraged she had been misled and contacted solicitors before making an official complaint to the council.

She said: “A girl with her severe disabilities should never have been on that rope bridge in the first place.

“They should have had very specific instructions and they have failed terribly.

“Even after making the mistake they have then kept me in the dark for over a week. I wasn’t even invited to the meeting where Ciara’s case was discussed.

“If my social worker had found those injuries while Ciara was under my care, I would have been taken to the police station straight away and she would have been taken away from me. How is this fair?”

The £3.5m centre was touted as the country’s first purpose-built intergenerational centre which provides services under one roof for older and young people.

Merton Council confirmed the incident was referred to Ofsted, an independent regulator which has the power to investigate the centre.

The council’s cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Maxi Martin, said: “The child involved was attending a half-term short break provision being delivered by an external contractor.

“We are currently undertaking an investigation and will review any changes to procedures if required.

“The relevant agencies have been notified.”

An Ofsted Spokesperson said: “Ofsted has been made aware of an alleged incident at the Acacia Intergenerational Centre.

“When we are notified of such incidents we consider any potential action in line with our processes and procedures, which may include a full inspection of the setting.”

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