Further to minute 58 (Cabinet - July 2009), which provided direction for a review of the Children with Disability residential and provider services to secure better value for money and quality of care, the Director of Children’s Services presented a report outlining a revised staffing structure, and reflecting reduced staffing requirements. It proposed that building work be completed within the current Capital programme to allow the consolidation of the residential short breaks provision on one site at Rosclare House. The changes to the staffing structure and building work, if approved, would be undertaken within the current financial year.

Resolved: That

(1)  the proposals to develop a world class residential care facility to provide short breaks for children with disabilities be agreed;

(2)  the development of a new staffing structure for consultation with a subsequent report to the Employment and Appointments Committee be approved; and

(3)  the closure of Willowtree as a residential care facility, as part of the proposals to be developed, be agreed in principle.