Life inside a (privately-owned) children's home: 1st time I have seen an Ofsted report make such an explicit reference to the improper, unauthorised physical restraint of vulnerable children. Concerns over 'breathing, circulation and communication'.

This home is owned by New Forest Care and is for children with complex emotional, behavioural and educational difficulties, including those who have diagnosed psychiatric or psychological disorders.

https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50159109

The thought of what has taken place in this home which has not be uncovered by inspectors is unbearable.

There is also a troubling reference to inadequate 'alternative, temporary accommodation.'

New Forest Care Ltd was paid almost £12 million by local authorities to provide homes for children and young people in care (based on the last available financial accounts, to the end of June 2019).

…https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/04228723/filing-history

One of the directors is Richard Collier-Keywood, much admired by government and NGOs. One of his senior roles is about 'supporting operational excellence in the NGO sector).

You couldn't make this stuff up.

I understand why the care of vulnerable children might not be on the agenda right now. People have a lot to worry about. But this is the stuff that keeps me awake at night.

Oh look... New Forest Care is a member of the private sector #ICHA lobby group, much loved by Ofsted and the Department for Education. Who'd have thunk it?