Kerelaw is failing children, inspectors find

A residential school is failing the most disturbed children in the quality of accommodation and staffing levels, according to government inspectors.

Kerelaw residential school in Ayrshire is one of only three secure units in Scotland. Last year a 14-year-old boy was found dead in his bed. There have also been allegations of drug taking exemplified in 1999 by the death of a 16-year-old from heroin addiction.

Last year, first minister Jack McConnell visited the school, and pledged to raise educational standards for all children in care. The HM Inspector’s report criticises the school academically, and calls on Glasgow council that runs the school to address urgently "major weaknesses" in residential accommodation and staffing levels.

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A spokesperson for Glasgow council said: "We have been discussing for some time the redevelopment of Kerelaw. We wanted to rebuild it on its present site at a cost of £18 million, and we are still waiting to hear if that will be forthcoming.