Good Care Inspectorate report for Irvine children's house

The Meadows, in the town's James Crescent, provides care for up to eight children and young people between the ages of 10 and 18+.

During an unannounced visit from the Care Inspectorate last month, the Meadows team were assessed on how well they supported children and young people's rights and wellbeing.

The inspectors spoke with six people using the service and one of their family members, as well as nine members of the staff and management team.

They found:

• Staff had developed their trauma-informed practice and ethos, which contributed to positive
• outcomes for young people.
• Young people experienced kind and caring staff which allowed them to build trusting relationships.
• Young people were empowered through care that offered scaffolding and support at the right level.
• Continuing care was prioritised and relationships were maintained by staff with those young people who had transitioned out of The Meadows.
• Leaders contributed to a culture which promoted high standards of care and support.
• External oversight needs to improve to ensure decisions being made externally about the service did not impact on outcomes.
• The Promise was being consistently supported through a development and improvement plan that reflected the needs of young people.

The inspection report added: "Young people felt comfortable in their home and with staff. This contributed to them feeling emotionally and physically safe.

"Staff knew young people well and were attuned to their needs, which allowed young people the space and support when they needed."

Inspectors told the team that they should ensure homemade food was provided on all days of the week.

A previous inspection report called on the council team to ensure that managers submitted notifications of significant events in accordance with guidance.

While not yet met, an input is being offered to the service in January 2026 to support them to improve in this area.