Kings Heath Children's Home

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Date:Not Recorded

Description:In February 1960, because of a need for more accommodation for children in care, the Children’s Committee took over two former homes for district nurses, one of which was this one in Kings Heath (the other being 16 Handsworth Wood Road which became Milton Grange). While it was originally thought that this would be only a temporary measure, the Health Committee permanently transferred this home to the Children’s Committee in 1962 so that it could continue to be used as a children’s home on a long-term basis.

At some point during the 1960s, it became known as the Shieling. In 1979, it had 14 beds for both boys and girls.

Incidentally, a shieling is a mountain hut which was used as a shelter by shepherds, and was perhaps originally a Scottish term.

The Shieling closed on 12th August 1988.

On 15th August 1988, the children and staff of Shelfield Road were transferred into the building. The new home had 12 beds.

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Source: This history was compiled by the Birmingham Children's Homes Project, an initiative to explore Birmingham City Council-run children’s homes between 1949 and 1990.