{"id":70237,"date":"2026-06-24T10:49:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T09:49:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/?p=70237"},"modified":"2026-06-24T12:07:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T11:07:33","slug":"council-secures-government-funding-design-new-secure-childrens-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/council-secures-government-funding-design-new-secure-childrens-home\/","title":{"rendered":"We have secured government funding to design a new secure children\u2019s home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have secured government funding to design a new secure children\u2019s home in Devon.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proposed new home would be built on Devon County Council land in Cofton, 1.5 miles north of Dawlish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It would replace the existing Atkinson Secure Children\u2019s Home in Exeter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Atkinson home supports some of the most vulnerable young people, including those at risk of serious harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new, modern building would allow the service to support more vulnerable young people, both in Devon and from across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have been working closely with government on the early feasibility stage of the project. This stage has now been completed and approved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Construction company Willmott Dixon has been appointed to help develop the detailed design and prepare a planning application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local people will be able to have their say through a public consultation as part of the planning process.<\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n\t
\r\n

Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children\u2019s Services at Devon County Council, said:<\/p><\/div>\r\n \t\t

<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Atkinson Secure Children\u2019s Home has been rated good or outstanding by Ofsted for each of the last 10 years.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cIt provides an exceptional level of care for young people with very complex needs.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cI am pleased that government funding means we can now move to the next stage and develop detailed plans for a new home.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThis project will help make sure this vital service can support more young people in a safe, modern, purpose-built setting.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n

\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\"Councillor\r\n
\r\n Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services – Social Services<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n <\/figure>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\n\n\n
\n

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