Staff shut themselves in office as youngster caused ‘extensive damage’ to children’s home

An Ofsted report has revealed that staff at a privately-run children’s home shut themselves in an office as a youngster ran amok in the premises.

They called for additional support but this took 90 minutes to arrive, while the unsupervised child continued to cause ‘extensive damage’.

The disturbing incident was reported by Ofsted following an inspection of the Rochdale home.

The facility, which cannot be named for safeguarding reasons, is run by a private firm.

It provides care and accommodation for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. 

Ofsted found that ‘poor practice’ had resulted in a child being admitted without staff having ‘full knowledge’ of the risk they posed and their previous behaviour.

This had a ‘significant and negative effect on children’s safety and welfare’.

The report states: “Risks of violence towards others and using weapons were not considered at the time of admission.

“As a result, decision-making about whether staff could safely meet the needs of the child was not well informed, and the effect on other children and staff at the home had not been considered.”

It notes that staff have frequently been the target of assaults, verbal abuse and intimidation – including the incident where employees ‘remained in the office for a period of time because of the levels of intimidation shown by a child’.

The report adds: “This left the child unsupervised and ongoing damage to the home unchecked.”

Staffing levels were not adequate to support the needs of the child, Ofsted said.

However, during last month’s visit, the provider took ‘immediate steps’ to increase staffing ratios at the home.

Inspectors also found that risk management plans regarding the use and storage of hazardous materials were weak. 

In one example, a child was able to get into an unlocked shed where paints were stored – these were then used to damage the home.

Ofsted said the environment was of ‘poor quality’, ‘unclean’ and in significant need of repair and refurbishment.

‘Continual incidents’ had resulted in damage to carpets, walls, fixtures and furniture’ officials said.

There is currently only one child living at the home. Ofsted has stopped it from taking on any more youngsters until staffing and care arrangements for them are stabilised.

The report adds: “Any further placements would place children at risk of harm.”

Significant improvements to the home environment must also be made.

A spokesperson for the home has responded to the findings.

They said: “We are naturally disappointed with Ofsted’s findings of our good rated home as we factually disagree with many points in the report which we have raised with them.

“We appreciate that Ofsted’s role is to safeguard young people which is aligned with the ethos of [the provider].

“Ofsted’s action to temporarily pause any additional admissions in this home, mirrored the action already taken by [the provider]."

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter