Pertapis Children's Home is facing allegations of children in the home being inappropriately punished physically.

In a media release on Friday, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said it had received some information about some children in the home receiving inappropriate physical punishment from some of the home's staff members. It filed a police report, and the police are now investigating the matter.

The home was established in 1991 to provide children aged between four and 12 a safe environment under the Children and Young Persons Act. Children may be referred to the home by the Juvenile Court, Family Service Centres, the MSF or other social service agencies. There are now 61 children and 26 staff members in the home.

In its release, the MSF said the safety and well-being of children is its paramount concern and priority, and its officers are providing the affected children and their families emotional and psychological support.

"The Ministry will not condone or tolerate any conduct or practice that compromises children's safety and well-being," it said.

The MSF has directed the home to take immediate action to look after the welfare of children in the home, including taking steps to improve child management practices there, and redeploying five staff members to facilities that do not involve children.

Pertapis has complied with these directives, said the MSF.

The home has also been directed to work with the MSF to review its systems, processes, practices and supervision and will not be allowed to admit new residents in the interim period.

With police investigations ongoing, the MSF said it would be unable to give any further details for the time being.