Crossword Genius

Room the child, a boy, is to occupy (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

salon

'room' is the definition.
(salon is a kind of room)

'the child a boy is to occupy' is the wordplay.
'the child' becomes 'son' (son is a kind of child**).
'a boy' becomes 'al'.
'is to occupy' is an insertion indicator.
'son' going around 'al' is 'SALON'.

(Other definitions for salon that I've seen before include "Reception room in grand house" , "(Room for) gathering of distinguished people" , "Reception room - social gathering" , "Literary gathering" , "Room where beautician works" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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