Urgent Crisis: Children Trapped for Hours in Understaffed Care Centre
A government watchdog, Ofsted, has found that youngsters at Barton Moss Secure Care Centre in Salford are routinely locked in their bedrooms for extended periods due to severe staff shortages. This practice is severely impacting children's health, wellbeing, and rights, prompting Salford City Council to announce the implementation of a comprehensive improvement plan.
Youngsters at Barton Moss Secure Care Centre in Salford are being routinely confined to their bedrooms for extended periods, a practice attributed to staff shortages, according to findings by the government watchdog Ofsted. The inspection of the centre, run by Salford Council, was prompted by complaints from children alleging 'inappropriate' lock-ins, particularly over weekends, spanning the last two to three months.
Ofsted inspector Jo Birtwhistle confirmed that this practice had become 'routine' and was a direct consequence of 'insufficient staff being on duty to keep children and staff safe'. The report highlighted the severe repercussions, stating that it 'impacts on children’s rights and is having a negative impact on children’s health and wellbeing', with children reporting feelings of anxiety and frustration.
Despite the issues stemming from staff shortages, inspectors found that more children had been admitted to the 20-bed unit in recent months. The Youth Custody Service contracts all beds at the centre, which aims to rehabilitate young people aged 10 to 18. Furthermore, management oversight of these lock-in practices was found to be lacking in robustness. Inaccurate records meant leaders did not have a clear understanding of the frequency of these unscheduled confinements.
The report also criticized management for insufficient action concerning staff attendance policies. This overall lack of management oversight and corrective actions has led to a significant negative impact on the children’s daily routines, care, and overall wellbeing. These findings were recorded during a 'monitoring visit', following a full Ofsted inspection in November 2025, which had previously rated the facility as 'good', though noting issues in children’s quality of education and learning.
In response to the inspection, a spokesperson for Salford City Council stated: “We acknowledge the findings of the recent inspection of Barton Moss Secure Care Centre. A comprehensive improvement plan is already being implemented, supported by strengthened leadership and governance arrangements, to address the areas identified. We remain focused on delivering high-quality care, support and safeguarding for children and young people, and on securing sustained improvements across the service.”