Scottish care school may close following damning investigation

Glasgow Council may close an independent care school, following
a critical investigation by the Care Commission, writes
Maria Ahmed.

Twelve staff at Kerelaw School in Ayrshire have been suspended
and seven more compulsorily redeployed after allegations of the
inappropriate use of physical restraint in the home emerged.

Council officers will decide on Friday whether to close the open
section of the school, which provides residential care and
education for young people. The future of the secure unit on the
same site will also be under scrutiny.

The council have admitted the Care Commission and HMIE report,
due to be published on Friday, is “highly critical”,
identifying “major weaknesses” in systems and practice
to ensure young people felt safe and secure.

The Care Commission will carry out a follow-up inspection in
January 2005.