A failing children's home could be closed down.

Maumbury House Community Home in Dorchester, operated by Dorset County Council, was rated inadequate in its latest Ofsted inspection in June and subsequently placed into special measures.

A report before DCC cabinet members next month will outline the potential options for the home's future, including closure.

Unison branch secretary Amanda Brown said that approximately 30 staff at Maumbury House are now facing redundancy.

She said: "This is the only home for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties in Dorset – following the closure of West End House in September. This means that the children at Maumbury House will be going out of the county, meaning they are becoming more isolated from friends and family. This is not what they need. Obviously there is the choice of foster care but for some children this is simply not an option.

"We will be lobbying at the cabinet meeting in December."

She added: "Closing Maumbury House is a drastic move and a total mistake. We hope we can persuade councillors not to agree to this closure."

The Ofsted report of Maumbury House highlighted serious and widespread failures that left vulnerable young people at ‘significant risk’.

The children’s home provides long-term placements for up to five young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

Following the closure of DCC's other children's home – West End House in Cattistock – in September, previous DCC corporate director for children, adults and communities, Sara Tough, said the council would be 'focusing its efforts' on Maumbury House and that it 'would remain open'.

Cllr Steve Butler, cabinet member for safeguarding at DCC, said: “Dorset County Council is submitting a paper to its meeting of cabinet members on December 6, which will outline the various options to be explored with regards to the future of Maumbury House.

“An Ofsted inspection rated the home as inadequate and it was put in special measures, which prompted a review of the service we provide.

“At this point in time, all the options for Maumbury House are being kept open and will be considered at the cabinet meeting."

The potential closure of Maumbury House will be discussed by Dorset County Council's cabinet members on Wednesday, December 6.