Work starts on new children’s centre in Thame

WORK to build an assessment centre for children at risk of coming into the care system has begun in Thame.

Charis Tremelling and Cllr Nick Carter cut the first sod before building work begins on the new Children’s Centre

Oxfordshire County Council says that the centre, to be built on land at Black Ditch, off the Chinnor Road just outside Thame, will enable more of the county’s vulnerable young people to stay closer to home and reduce the need to send children to costly, out-of-county settings where the council also has less control over the quality of placements.

It will provide short-term accommodation for up to six children (12 to 17-year-olds) on the ‘edge’ of the care system, enabling staff to assess whether children can return home or if an alternative placement – for instance, with a foster carer – is needed. The centre will cost around £2m to build and is expected to become operational next year.

An artist’s impression of what the new Children’s centre will look like

County council staff were joined on Friday (May 29) by a representative from the Children in Care Council (CiCC), Charis Tremelling, to dig the first sod of earth ahead of construction work. The CiCC is an advisory group which helps to inform the council about the services it provides to ensure the voices of young people are heard. It is made up of children and young people either currently in care or who have been through the care system. The views of the CiCC have helped inform the design process of for the new building.

Chosen site

The Glebe land site was chosen as it is relatively isolated from immediate residential neighbours while still having access to a town centre. It is large enough to allow a home for six children to be built with outdoor space for the children to play. The location also meets national guidance that where possible, children should be placed close to home and away from areas of deprivation.

It is likely that some children staying at the centre will only be there for part of the week, as assessment work will also be taking place at the children’s family homes, with parents, siblings and extended family.

Keeping children safe

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Customer Services, Nick Carter, said: “It’s very pleasing to see work getting started on this excellent new facility. The assessment centre will not only help keep vulnerable children safe, but also reduce the need to send children to out-of-county placements many miles away from friends and family.

“We all have a responsibility to help keep children safe, especially vulnerable young people who have often experienced traumatic childhoods. We want to work with local communities to provide the best possible environment for our young people and this is a really significant moment in securing the future of that work.”

Wider context

Work on an additional Assessment Centre in Eynsham and a ‘Move-on’ home in Didcot for older teenagers preparing to leave care – is expected to begin later this year. A further ‘Move-on’ home is also planned in Witney.

Taken as a whole, the four homes will provide 20 new places for vulnerable young people in Oxfordshire, and help the council develop an improved ‘pathway’ for young people from the moment they enter, to the moment they leave the care system.