Westminster children's home to close

At present, five young people use the service when they cannot live at home for a variety of reasons.

The latest Ofsted report for the home reveals that the children, aged 11 to 16, were angered when they heard the home was set to close.

The report states: "Staff and young people are presently coming out of what has been a difficult period in the home.

"Initially, young people were upset and angry and their general behaviour deteriorated.

"The manager and staff have done their best to encourage discussion with the young people.

"Staff make sure that social workers visit and speak to young people about the implications the home's closure will have on their future plans."

All the young people at the home are in education, and some are due to take their GCSEs this summer.

The overall Ofsted rating for the home was 'good'.

Council funding of £717,715 is guaranteed until the end of August this year, but after this, the council plans to stop paying for the service, which is operated by St Christopher's Fellowship.

A formal cabinet decision on the future of the home is due to be made in the coming weeks.

The building was put up in the 1960s, when many children were placed in residential care, but the council says it now hopes to find foster families for these children.

Councillor Nickie Aiken, the council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "We know that the best place for a child is with a supportive and loving family and this is no different for children who come into our care so this is why we have moved towards placing children with foster families.

"Although the staff at the children's home are excellent, in replicating as far as possible a family unit, a foster family will invariably be a better option than a residential care home.

"In the last few months, staff have been working very hard to keep the five young people who hare currently at the home informed and to support them throughout this period.

"Our priority is always to ensure that children receive the best possible care and when a decision is made, alternative placements will be set up to meet each young person's individual needs."