Renfrewshire-based children's home praised in latest inspection report

A Renfrewshire children’s home has been praised for it’s “warm” and “fun” staff interactions following a recent inspection.

An inspector from the Care Inspectorate made an unannounced visit over two days to Northview House in Johnstone.

The service is registered to provide residential care and support to children and young people aged five to 18 years.

Based on a scale of one to six where one is unsatisfactory and six is excellent, it was rated as five – meaning very good for ‘how well they support children and young people’s rights and wellbeing’.

Among its key messages, the report by the inspector stated: “Young people were kept safe and cared for by a committed staff team who knew them well.

“Staff supported young people to maintain relationships with those important to them and the property was homely and welcoming, with a fun and relaxed atmosphere.”

To prepare for the inspection, the Care Inspectorate reviewed information about the service.

This included previous inspection findings, registration details, information submitted by the service and intelligence gathered since the last inspection.

In making its evaluations of the service, the Care Inspectorate spoke with seven young people using the service; spoke with 10 staff and management; interacted with family members and observed practice and daily life at the facility.

During the visit, the watchdog noted children and young people’s “physical and mental health were given priority by the staff team” who also collaborated with external professionals to ensure health needs were met.

The inspector found young people experienced “warm and fun interactions with staff” and were offered days out as well as opportunities to celebrate special occasions.

A staff member told the inspector of their desire to “make memories” with young people.

And one young person told the visiting inspector “I’m happy cause I’m here”, while another told they liked that “everyone has privacy”.

Meanwhile, the report went on to state “this demonstrated the staff recognised the individual needs of young people and respected these to allow young people to be safe and comfortable in their home".

The facility, operated by Curo Salus Limited, was also praised for relaxed meal times.

It was stated within the report: “Meal times were relaxed, with good humour, and allowed young people to come together if this was their choice.

“There was no pressure for young people to all eat together. Individual preferences were catered for without a fuss and meant that meal times were inclusive for everyone.”

Other key messages within the report included there were varied education and employment opportunities which were promoted by staff and individual ambitions and interests were recognised and encouraged.

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