Local authorities have handed responsibility for many vulnerable children to voracious private equity firms. The consequences are catastrophic. 1/
Ofsted has just published an inspection report into a home for children in care owned by Radical Services Ltd, a subsidiary of the private equity firm Ardenton Capital.
2/
It is judged inadequate by every measure. Image
Serious and widespread failures. Children are not protected. Care and experiences are poor. Image
Food is a significant concern. Some children binge on junk, others go for long periods without eating. Image
Bullying is rife and children do not feel safe. Image
"Children appear to be beyond the control of staff." Image
The Ofsted inspection report is here
reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/2/124…

When you read it, please bear in mind that this is a place children who have been removed from their families for their safety, are meant to think of as 'home'.
Private companies, particularly private equity, have no concern for the welfare of children beyond what they must do to cash the next cheque.
But local authorities know what they are sending children to; this is happening with their full knowledge and consent.
Five children's homes and one foster care agency have been rated 'inadequate' or 'requires improvement to be good' by Ofsted today. All are privately owned.
Ardenton's gross margin is almost 33%.

It has more than £1 million in the bank. Image
A *lot* of leaders of children's services have staked their careers and reputations on this being a sensible and sustainable model of care.

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More from @MartinBarrow

13 Jun
Josh MacAlister has publicly criticised child protection social workers for being overreaching and intrusive, institutionally biased against families. Image
His #carereview wants to halt the "runaway train" of child protection, which he blames for taking too many children and young people into care.
This is a huge call for a review which has been in place for just three months and is thinly staffed. But the direction of travel is clear. Social workers should back off.
Read 15 tweets
11 Jun
This @CommunityCare
article casually cites the National Centre for Excellence in Residential Child Care (NCERCC) and Revolution Consulting as impartial observers when they are, in fact, as one with the privatisation lobby group #ICHA
communitycare.co.uk/2021/06/11/cut…
In fair, they are quoting Josh MacAlister. But somebody needs to call this stuff out, honestly.
Children's services are increasingly in the pocket of private providers. Yesterday's event was a good example of the closeness between them. Much back-slapping and talk about partnership, notwithstanding MacAlister's speech.
Read 4 tweets
21 Apr
This new West Midlands taskforce to find foster families is spending public money on @NFG_Fostering, which is owned by private equity and ultimately run from on offshore tax haven.

What is the point of all of this?

cypnow.co.uk/news/article/w…
Also, is it really the case that there are significant numbers of children and young people in children's homes who could move to foster care?
FFS, we are so deep down the rabbit hole.
Read 4 tweets
23 Mar
New today: Ofsted has published a damning report into By The Bridge, the flagship private sector foster care agency. This agency is responsible for the lives of 359 children in care. files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/501612…
By The Bridge is part of the giant private company CareTech, worth around £600 million. Last year it was paid £430 million by local authorities to care for children and young people. Some of its directors earn £1 million a year.
By The Bridge trades heavily on the high allowances it pays its foster carers. Its website claims the average is £450 a week per child. bythebridge.co.uk/im-interested-…
Read 8 tweets
23 Mar
Ofsted has ordered the closure of this children's home in Blackpool owned by the private company Care 4 Children Holdco because of the neglect of children living here.

files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/501612…
It is clear that this 'home' has not been fit for purpose for many months. But local authorities share blame for the harm inflicted on children.
This home was rated 'good' at the last full inspection, way back in 2019.
Read 5 tweets
23 Mar
Ofsted has shut down the children's home at Fullerton Park residential special school in Doncaster over concerns about the children's safety.
examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-new…
This school is owned by a huge private company, Hesley Group. Last year it was paid £54 million by local councils to care for vulnerable children and young people.
Hesley is owned by wealthy investors based in the tax haven of Luxembourg. Cedar Luxco is also involved with Kisimul, another private provider of care with a poor record with children's safety.
Read 7 tweets

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