Illegal substances in children's home - report

The children's home in west Suffolk was rated as inadequate by Ofsted

A children's home has been rated as inadequate by Ofsted after staff were found to have unknowingly helped a child meet someone who subsequently provided them with illegal substances.

The property in west Suffolk was home to five people aged between 11 and 17 when Ofsted carried out its inspection in December.

Suffolk County Council, which is the registered provider of the home, said an action plan was "rapidly implemented" after the inspection.

The home typically provides care for children with social, emotional or mental health difficulties.

'Highly volatile'

"On one occasion, staff have failed to fully explore the circumstances when a child has asked staff to take them to meet someone," said Rachel Watkinson, the Ofsted social care inspector.

"This resulted in staff facilitating the child meeting an unknown person and obtaining substances.

"This was observed by staff who were unable to establish what had been exchanged. Despite the staff’s requests, the police did not attend.

"Consequently, illegal substances were brought into the home."

The report also noted that three of the children were caught taking substances on three different occasions.

Staff and children have been injured during "highly volatile situations" in the home, Ms Watkinson added.

Offensive writing found on the walls and doors of two bedrooms also did not create a "homely environment for children", she continued in her report.

However, she praised staff because incidents of self-harm were handled "sensitively and appropriately" which resulted in the number of incidents being reduced.

"Despite the serious shortfalls identified, the leadership team has taken some immediate steps to address these," she concluded.

James Reeder, the county council's Conservative cabinet member for children's services, said: “There is nothing more important than ensuring children in our care are kept safe and well."

He also said: “We are reporting all our progress back to Ofsted on a regular basis and want to reassure people that these issues have been dealt with quickly.”