Carer recruitment urged as Rotherham children’s homes are closed

Silverwood at East Herringthorpe and Cherry Tree House at Masbrough will shut as RMBC aims to place more looked after children in family homes.

Mrs Bradwell asked that a timescale be drawn up in connection with the foster carer recruitment campaign.

She said it should include how many placements might be needed over the next year or two — adding: “I think that bit of work is important.”

Her decision at Monday’s Cabinet/Commissioners’ meeting means four of Rotherham’s five children’s homes have closed since last October.

Closing Silverwood and Cherry Tree and moving the Nelson Street leaving care service to Hollowgate will save £1 million.

Mrs Bradwell said: “These buildings just aren’t acceptable in this day and age. We need to be able to ensure all services for looked after children are the very, very best we can offer.”

Council leader Cllr Chris Read said: “A lot of work has gone in to try and improve these homes but hasn’t been able to realise its objective.”

Deputy Cllr Gordon Watson said: “It’s no secret that there’s been issues with children’s homes in Rotherham. Social workers had very little confidence in placing children in these homes.”

Cllr Emma Hoddinott added: “It was disappointing to see the living environment at Silverwood. I see that the children’s home is now empty, which makes it easier to make this decision to close.”

St Edmund’s at Thurcroft —\!q closed in October — posed a health risk to children, Ofsted said, and Woodview in Kimberworth Park was shut in January after being rated inadequate. Liberty House will be kept open.

Children’s director Ian Thomas said: “This is about shifting practice, with the aspiration of having more children placed in family-based settings.” This week’s decision is subject to a period of consultation.