We have secured government funding to design a new secure children’s home in Devon.
The proposed new home would be built on Devon County Council land in Cofton, 1.5 miles north of Dawlish.
It would replace the existing Atkinson Secure Children’s Home in Exeter.
The Atkinson home supports some of the most vulnerable young people, including those at risk of serious harm.
The current building is reaching the end of its life. It is no longer suitable for the range of therapeutic support young people now need.
A new, modern building would allow the service to support more vulnerable young people, both in Devon and from across the country.
We have been working closely with government on the early feasibility stage of the project. This stage has now been completed and approved.
Construction company Willmott Dixon has been appointed to help develop the detailed design and prepare a planning application.
Local people will be able to have their say through a public consultation as part of the planning process.
Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Devon County Council, said:
“The Atkinson Secure Children’s Home has been rated good or outstanding by Ofsted for each of the last 10 years.
“It provides an exceptional level of care for young people with very complex needs.
“I am pleased that government funding means we can now move to the next stage and develop detailed plans for a new home.
“This project will help make sure this vital service can support more young people in a safe, modern, purpose-built setting.”
