We are working closely with the Department for Education (DfE) on a proposal to build a new secure children’s home at an out-of-town location in South Devon.
No decision has been made yet, but if the scheme were to progress, it would replace the current Atkinson secure children’s home in Exeter.
The Atkinson home is national resource that supports vulnerable children including those at risk of suffering significant harm.
However the current home is reaching the end of its useful life and is no longer suitable for meeting the diverse therapeutic needs of the vulnerable young people placed there.
The new proposal would allow the provision to expand to meet the needs of more vulnerable young people in Devon and nationally.
We are working with specialist surveyors to decide whether the proposed site is feasible for the new-build.
If the site is deemed feasible, a full planning application would follow and the public would have opportunity to have their say about the application as part of that planning process.
Our Cabinet Member with responsibility for children’s services, Cllr Richard Jefferies, said:
“We need to take action now to ensure the future of this much needed service here in Devon.
“The Atkinson Home protects our most vulnerable children and has been rated good or outstanding by Ofsted every year for the last decade. It is an excellent service that requires a new home.
“No decisions have been made yet, and there are several steps needed before any proposal can progress, including a feasibility study to determine the suitability of the new site.
“If the site is deemed feasible, a full planning application would follow and the public would have opportunity to have their say about the application as part of that planning process.”
