Damning Ofsted report finds Peterborough care home failed to protect child

An inspection of Clare Lodge Secure Children’s Home, in Glinton, found that was inadequate in all areas it was judged against; Overall experiences and progress of children and young people, children’s health, how well children and young people are helped and protected and the effectiveness of leaders and managers.

The centre has had three different managers since February 2025.

Among the main criticisms of the report is that fact that care managers and staff ‘failed to follow a child’s risk plan and advice from health professionals and failed to intervene to protect and safeguard a child from serious risk of harm.” As a result, the child required urgent medical support from the emergency services.

The report also found that:

- Staff were not consistently sensitive to a child’s pronouns

- Social workers were not always informed promptly about incidents or concerns about children

- Not all children’s risk assessments provide clear strategies to guide staff in effectively supporting and safeguarding children, particularly those who are new to the home

Cllr Katy Cole, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We acknowledge receipt of the report and accept responsibility for the concerns raised regarding Clare Lodge. We are taking Ofsted’s feedback extremely seriously, and steps are already being taken to make the necessary improvements to the facility.

"As Cabinet Member, I want to emphasise that we are all corporate parents and I take that responsibility seriously. We remain dedicated to further developing Clare Lodge and delivering a high standard of care for the vulnerable young girls who reside there, ensuring they are supported, protected, and given a voice. I am committed to ensuring that every child in this city is treated with the respect and care that I would want for my own children.”

To view the report, visit https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50297690.