Health and Wellbeing Services into Atkinson Secure Childrens Home

• 1.Background
• a.Atkinson Secure Childrens Home

Atkinson Secure Childrens Home is a purpose-built welfare only secure unit in Exeter which is managed by Devon County Council and provides full residential care, healthcare, and education on site in dedicated facilities. The home is registered for 8 young people who are aged between 10 and 17 years-old and accommodated under section 25 of the Childrens Act 1989. The home has been operating for over 30-years and young people are placed with in Atkinson due to either having a history of absconding or are likely to abscond, likely to suffer significant harm or likely to injure themselves or others.

Atkinson secure children’s home provides a nurturing and caring atmosphere which develops young people’s confidence and self-esteem. All staff are trained in attachment, trauma and restorative approaches enabling the home to effectively manage behaviour and repair relationships. In the most recent Ofsted Inspection in February 2022, Atkinson Secure Childrens Home received a grading of ‘Good’, which they have maintained for 6-years. Feedback following the inspection noted that “This is a well-managed home. Attention to detail and a thorough understanding of each child’s needs means that they all receive high-quality care and nurturing from committed staff.”

• b.Section 10

Devon County Council currently have a section 10 agreement with NHS England to commissioning the health and wellbeing services. The section 10 in place in this arrangement is the only section 10 in place within England.

Pursuant to Section 10 of the Childrens Act 2004 the Local Authority must make arrangements to promote co-operation between the authority and the authority’s relevant partners. These arrangements are to be made with a view to improving the well-being of children in the authority’s area relating to their physical and mental health and emotional well-being. For this purpose, NHS England is a relevant partner of the local authority with an area of responsibility which falls within the area of the authority.

• c.Currently commissioned services / contract arrangements

Devon County Council currently commission the following health and wellbeing services into Atkinson secure children’s home:

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
• GP Service
• Nurse Service
• Occupational Service
• Speech and Language Service

These services currently operate within the home between the hours of 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

The above services are currently individually commissioned / contracted as stand-alone services into Atkinson.

2. Recommissioning Plan

Devon County Council and NHS England will be looking to re-commission the above services during 2024/25.