Interview: The business of care - Stephen Bradshaw, board memberfor education and fostering, Priory Group

Many in the social care sector fear private equity firms have been trying to make a quick buck off the back of society's most vulnerable children. In recent weeks several social care charities, including the Fostering Network and The Adolescent and Children's Trust, have spoken out against the growing number of private investors in the sector (CYP Now, 17-23 October).

But surprisingly for a board member of one of the biggest private care providers around - The Priory Group - Stephen Bradshaw, who is responsible for its fostering and education services, feels some of the criticism is justified.

"There is damage done when investors look at the education and social care business as similar to selling widgets or cola cans and think they can make a quick buck and then get out," he says. "Sedgemoor, as well as being a disaster for young people, is also a warning for companies who think this is an easy market. Education and social care can't be seen purely as a business model, it's about meeting young people's needs."