Victoria Children's Home to stay closed after Ofsted inspection

As reported, parents were given just hours’ notice after inspectors visited the

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The Victoria Education Centre on the same site remains open. Most of the children who lived in the home attend the school.

The suspension was ordered due to concerns over the dispensing of medicines, as well as with staffing arrangements.

Allegations have also been made to the Daily Echo that a child was rushed to hospital after being accidentally given too much medicine.

A spokesperson from charity Livability, which runs the home, refused to comment on the claims.

However, on Wednesday the spokesperson said: “Livability has worked with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, as well as a range of other local authorities, to support the transition of the children with special needs into alternative accommodation and care following the closure of Victoria Children’s Home.

“We are doing everything we can to support this transition to enable these children and families to continue to have their needs met at what will be an unsettling time for them.

“We have no plans to reopen the home at this time.”

The charity said it ‘deeply regrets’ the impact the closure has had on children and their families.

Victoria Education Centre was rated as ‘outstanding’ in all areas during its most recent Ofsted inspection.

A source connected to the school has made allegations of problems with staff prescribing medication.

She said: “One child was given too much of their medicine and it made them very ill indeed.

“They had to go to the hospital.

“There were all sorts of problems at the home.”

Judith Ramsden, corporate director for children’s services for the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, said representatives from the authority’s children’s welfare service are working with youngsters from the home to ensure their "needs are met".