Residential care for children

Short or long-term accommodation and support for children.

A 'children's house' is a safe and homely environment, staffed by trained residential workers. South Ayrshire Council has 2 residential care services for children and young people. Sundrum can accommodate a maximum of 5 children and young people up to the age of 18 years and Cunningham Place can accommodate a maximum of 6 young people between 12 years to 18 years.

Children are supporting following nurture principles and usually attend local schools. Children have an individual care plan which aims to improve their outcomes as set out in the Getting It Right for Every Child approach and Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001. Houses are inspected by the Care Inspectorate to ensure they meet National Care Standards.

A residential school provides residential care and education on site. Most residential schools are run by voluntary or private sector organisations and mainly cater for children with complex disabilities or behavioural problems.

Why are some children placed in residential care?
South Ayrshire Council has a legal duty to help children in need and make sure they are safe and well cared for. Residential care can sometimes be the best option for a child or young person, depending on their circumstances.

Who decides that a child is placed within residential care?
Children's Hearings and the Sheriff Court can make legal orders that require us to look after and accommodate children within a residential setting. Alternatively, parents, in partnership with us, can agree that it would be in a child's best interests for them to stay in residential care, for example if they have complex needs and require specialist education.

Contact

Contact our Initial response team.