Cannabis smoking and vaping at Oldham children’s home

Government inspectors have criticised a children’s home after youths went missing and were found vaping and smoking cannabis “unchallenged”.

An Ofsted report said the private facility in Oldham, Greater Manchester, was “unsafe” and “inadequate” in all areas after the September inspection.

Inspectors said there were “serious and widespread failures that mean children and young people are not protected’ at the home”.

Cambian Childcare Ltd, who runs the facility, said it had taken action to address the concerns.

The watchdog’s report found that children went missing for “prolonged periods of time” with staff failing to report them to police quickly.

It found the home, responsible for four children at the time of the inspection, found children were taking drugs and some rooms smelt of cannabis.

The report found staff also delayed searching a room over fears a child had a weapon.

The home can look after up to seven children with social and emotional difficulties.

The report also found staff lacked training to deal with children who become aggressive.

It said: “They do not have the skills to de-escalate incidents of violent and aggressive behaviour involving children.

“This has led to the police being called to manage children’s behaviour.”

The home, which first opened in 2003, had been rated “good” for the last four years.

Cambian Childcare said in a statement: “We have taken the action required to address the concerns highlighted in this report.

“Under a new management team we expect to return the home to a standard we expect.”