Police investigation into children's home ends

Surrey Police has concluded an investigation into a children's home and said there were no criminal offences to investigate further.

A force spokesperson said officers had "thoroughly investigated" a report received in September 2023 and no further action would be taken by police.

The Cranleigh home was closed just weeks after opening, following a visit from Ofsted inspectors.

A spokesperson for Young Options Group Limited, which runs the home, said they were not in a position to share any information and that "none of the allegations are founded".

Surrey Police said on Friday: "This month (June 2024), we concluded there were no criminal offences for police to investigate further. No further action will be taken by police."

Ofsted visited the home in May for a third monitoring visit since the September inspection which closed the home.

Inspectors said the home had complied with the suspension notice and no children had moved in.

Their latest report, published on 14 June, said: "Senior leaders have developed some systems which they anticipate will strengthen their ability to meet the Children's Homes Regulations.

"However, the home does not have a manager and there is only one member of staff. This is not sufficient to safely care for children."

They said previous requirements set out could still not be demonstrated by the home.

According to Ofsted, the home provides medium and long-term care for up to two children aged between 11 and 18 who have experienced trauma.

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