Scottish charity Quarriers could axe 69 jobs, as it considers closing its school and two children's homes, due to lack of demand.

The social care charity, which has an income of around £42m, has said that the school and homes are no longer financially viable and that the current economic climate of austerity has led to demand for places at Seafield School decreasing. It states that this demand is forecasted to continue to fall.

Paul Moore, chief executive of Quarriers, said: “We have reluctantly taken the difficult decision to propose the closure of Seafield School in Ardrossan along with two children’s homes – Merton House in Largs and Williamfield in Irvine – which support some of the residential pupils at the school.”

He said that although every effort had been made to make Seafield more sustainable, it has continued to lose money and is forecast to have a significant deficit over the financial year.

Moore added: “As a charity, we are simply unable to continue absorbing such losses.”

Quarriers aims to help children, families and adults overcome adversity.  In the last few years the charity has seen a steady income of around £42m, the majority of that coming from government funding.

As both Merton House and Williamfield provide support for some children on residential placements who attend the school, this closure would also impact on these services and, as a result, they are also slated for closure.

Moore said: “We are committed to ensuring all the children at the school and in the two children’s homes receive the highest-quality care and support during this difficult time.”

The closures would not happen until the end of the current academic year and staff will be consulted on the proposal before any final decision is made.

Moore said: “All 69 members of staff at Seafield, Merton House and Williamfield will be consulted on the proposal and their responses will be carefully considered. Quarriers will also be consulting collectively with the trade unions as representatives of the staff potentially affected."

The closure of these services would result in the loss of 69 jobs.

“In the event the services do close, Quarriers has a policy of redeploying staff and every effort will be made to support those that might be affected, to find other opportunities within the charity.”

Quarriers Seaford, based in Ayrshire, provides care and teaching for young people with complex learning difficulties.