Review of Children’s Residential Care

The government has commissioned Sir Martin Narey, former Head of the Prison and Probation Services in England and Wales and CEO of children’s charity Barnardo’s, to undertake an independent review of children’s residential care.

Announcing the review at Prime Minister’s questions, the Prime Minister said:

“We need to make sure that our residential care homes are doing the best possible job they can.

That is why I can announce that I have asked the former Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, Sir Martin Narey, to conduct an independent review of children’s residential care, reporting to the Education Secretary and myself, so we can take every possible step to make sure these children get the best start in life.”

Secretary of State for Education, Nicky Morgan, said:

“I am crystal clear that only the very best should be acceptable for children and young people in care.

I want to shine a spotlight on what works, identify barriers to success and end those practices that are holding these children back them from a life full of opportunity.

It is our moral duty to create a care system where all children have access to high-quality care that meets their specific needs. I am confident that Sir Martin’s review will help make this ambition a reality.”

Closing date for submissions to the review is 31 December 2015 at 5:00pm. The National IRO Manager Partnership is gathering IRO comments as part of its national response.