A Renfrewshire Council children’s house has been graded Very Good by the Care Inspectorate, with inspectors praising the warm, trusting relationships at the heart of the home.
Beech Avenue Children’s House can provide a home for up to six young people. Inspectors found that the young people living there feel physically and emotionally safe, and that staff have a strong understanding of their needs – including the impact trauma can have on their lives.
The report describes young people being supported through nurturing and respectful relationships, with their physical and emotional wellbeing put first and a living environment that feels homely. Young people are included in decisions about their own care, independent advocacy is firmly embedded in the service, and they are helped to keep up connections with their families.
Safeguarding was singled out as a particular strength, as was the way staff work in partnership with other agencies.
Councillor Emma Rodden, the council’s Education Convener, said: “This is a fantastic result for everyone at Beech Avenue and, most importantly, for the young people who call it home. Our staff work hard to make sure every young person feels safe, supported, listened to and cared for.”
She added that the relationships highlighted by inspectors help young people “to thrive and have the best possible opportunities in life.”
Janie O’Neill, Director of Children’s Services, said staff in the council’s residential children’s houses know their young people well. “This Very Good rating is a strong recognition of the care being provided at Beech Avenue,” she said. “I want to thank everyone at Beech Avenue for the care, dedication and commitment they show to our young people every day.”
Photo: the White Cart Water in Paisley town centre © Alan Reid, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.