Home   News   Article

Avonlea children's home in Wick is set to close – 'We take our corporate parenting responsibilities extremely seriously,' says Highland Council





Highland Council has announced it is planning to close its children's home in Wick and is involved in "sensitive discussions" with staff and children with regard to "the best outcomes".

The revelation comes after a damning report by the Care Inspectorate last year which described a series of shortcomings at Avonlea – a purpose-built house in the town's West Banks Avenue providing care for several young people looked after by Highland Council.

Avonlea children's home in Wick is closing.
Avonlea children's home in Wick is closing.

The £1.2 million children's home was opened just eight years ago in 2014 with input from residents and staff, and caters for up to five 12 to 16-year-olds.

Subscriber Only Content

A Highland Council spokesperson confirmed to the John O'Groat Journal this week: “Avonlea children’s house is progressing a carefully planned closure.

"This involves sensitive discussions with staff, children and young adults, as to innovative options which promote the best outcomes.

"We take our corporate parenting responsibilities extremely seriously with those children and young adults being significantly involved in their future plans, with a focus on choice, voice and innovation to develop models of care that strengthen support and relationships for care-experienced children and young adults in Wick.”

The imminent closure comes after last year's Care Inspectorate report rated the standard of care at the residential unit as uniformly "weak". It pointed out that "no steps" had been taken on a previously identified area for improvement. The inspectors had identified weaknesses in support of people’s wellbeing, quality of leadership and how well care and support is planned.

However, the local authority challenged the findings, saying at the time: “We do not consider the report is an accurate reflection of all aspects of the service."

Related article:

Standards at Wick residential unit for young people rated as 'weak' in report

Far north MSP Maree Todd said: “I have been in contact with Highland Council to request a meeting regarding the closure of Avonlea children’s home in Wick. As a corporate parent, I’m keen to understand what support the children and young people residing in the home are receiving as the closure progresses and to gain assurances that 'The Promise' is being fulfilled locally.

Far north MSP Maree Todd has requested a meeting about the closure of the Wick children's home.
Far north MSP Maree Todd has requested a meeting about the closure of the Wick children's home.

“I’m pleased to hear from Highland Council that the children and young people at Avonlea are involved and engaged in the discussions around their future. Communication is vitally important, and will assist in securing the best outcomes for the care experienced children, young people and families at Avonlea.”

In her statement, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross refers to ‘The Promise' – a commitment to ensuring children in care are "loved, safe, and respected and realise their full potential".

A 124-page report published by Scotland’s Independent Care Review formed the basis of The Promise. The report was based on assessments of the child care system from 2017-20 and talked of “a frustrated anxious and overwhelmed workforce” and that a “new way of thinking about our workforce” was required to overcome this. The workforce should be given the “time and space to listen” to children and young people, it further stated.

The Care Review called for care-experienced children and young people "to be listened to, not just in decisions about their lives but about the delivery and improvement of care services".

Highland councillor Willie Mackay found it 'disappointing' that a modern facility that only opened eight years ago is now closing. Picture: DGS
Highland councillor Willie Mackay found it 'disappointing' that a modern facility that only opened eight years ago is now closing. Picture: DGS

Wick and East Caithness Councillor Willie Mackay said: "I'm not aware of the circumstances as to why closure is imminent – I find the situation very disappointing when this purpose-built five-bed modern facility only opened eight years ago in 2014.

"It was built close to local amenities and the then Wick High School and residents and staff were involved in planning the design and decor of Avonlea.

"The council have always placed a high priority on providing great care for looked after children and I am confident, following sensitive discussions with children, parents and staff, an acceptable outcome for the future care of the children will be realised."

Councillor Raymond Bremner, who represents the Wick and East Caithness ward, said there needs to be the "highest quality and standards of care for our children and young people" in residential care in Caithness and throughout Highland.

Wick and East Caithness councillor Raymond Bremner. Picture: DGS
Wick and East Caithness councillor Raymond Bremner. Picture: DGS

"Children’s services are responsible for ensuring that residential services are achieving the best possible outcomes for some of our most vulnerable children. As elected members, we need to hold services accountable and have a role to scrutinise the quality and standards of care, alongside broader policy and strategy in children’s services. We need to take this responsibility seriously and expect services provided in Highland to be good or better, aiming for excellence in care services.

"If services are not achieving this standard, I expect officers to give due consideration to all the necessary supports, actions and options to ensure they secure strong outcomes for children. We need to continue to scrutinise policy, strategy and improvements in residential care. I know that this can be a very sensitive process including how the council manage their responsibility in respect of Avonlea Children’s House.”


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More