Following the unannounced inspection of each house on 10 June 2026, inspectors recognised major strengths in how the service supports children and young people’s rights, wellbeing and outcomes. The report reflects the care, skill and dedication shown by staff across the service. This was demonstrated through the positive relationships between young people and the staff teams there to support them. Inspectors praised staff’s understanding of the individual needs of each young person, which was reflected in detailed support plans that were regularly reviewed to ensure they continued to meet young people’s needs at all times.

Championing Rights and Voices

There was excellent feedback around the promotion of children’s rights, with the Care Inspectorate report highlighting that “young people were well informed about their rights and felt confident that staff represented their views.” Staff also created a safe and supportive environment within each of the houses, where young people felt able to raise any concerns. This was further strengthened through access to independent advocacy provided by Who Cares? Scotland. This was particularly evident when supporting young people through transitions, with inspectors highlighting that “…where decisions were made at short notice, these were informed by the needs and rights of both the young person moving into the service and those already living there.”

Importance of Everyday Moments

The warmth in everyday experiences was also reflected in the report. Young people’s views and wishes were actively sought, helping them take part in enjoyable activities, community clubs, small business opportunities and experiences such as wild swimming. This was made possible through the support and encouragement of staff teams, who ensured young people enjoyed a wide range of experiences and opportunities within their communities.
 

In addition, Education was actively promoted, with positive outcomes including young people attending school regularly for the first time. Maintaining meaningful family connections was another strength, with some young people sharing that they were seeing family regularly for the first time in years.

Specialist Care and Leadership

The report also recognised the specialist care and strong leadership in place at Cochrane House. Staff and leaders demonstrated a strong understanding of child protection, supported by training, trauma-informed practice, reflective discussions and access to 91����’s Specialist Intervention Service. Inspectors also noted the positive impact of strengthened management structures, which have improved consistency, staff confidence and teamworking. This recognition was echoed by Executive Director of Secure and Intensive Services, Damien McGrogan, who shared with staff:

“I wanted to share my congratulations following the recent inspection and the very positive feedback received. It was fantastic to see the recognition for the genuine warmth, care and compassion across the houses. The inspectors clearly felt the strong relationships you have built with the young people, and the sense of trust, consistency and care that underpins everything you do. This is a real reflection of the commitment, teamwork and professionalism across all teams, and you should be incredibly proud of what has been achieved. Please keep up the great work and continue building on this success.”

This incredibly positive inspection result is a real credit to everyone working in and around Cochrane House. Congratulations to the whole team for the care, compassion and commitment they show every day in helping young people feel safe, listened to and supported to build brighter futures.

Glowing feedback from inspectors spoke of the “sector-leading” care and support provided to the children and young people who call Ness and Tay home. This exceptional achievement is not easily attained, and it is a testament to the professionalism, dedication, teamwork and unwavering commitment of our staff teams, who provide the highest standards of care for children and young people.

Strength of Relationships

Inspectors praised the dedication of the adults supporting the children, commenting that they created an environment that felt “gentle” and nurturing. This is evident in the incredible relationships within the houses, where children feel safe, loved and have a strong sense of belonging. You can see this in everything from the structured routines that help children maintain important rhythms and familiar patterns, to the smaller moments, such as shared mealtimes and even getting each child’s toast just the right shade.

The children are championed in all aspects of their lives, and staff go above and beyond to ensure they embrace and enjoy new opportunities every day. Recently, one young person, supported by a member of staff, took on a mighty fundraising challenge to raise awareness of autism while raising vital funds for charity. The challenge saw them complete 10,000 steps a day for a month, raising £171 for Walk for Autism.

These relationships also extend to young people’s families, with the Care Inspectorate recognising the strong relationships staff have built and continue to maintain with them. 

Inclusive, Nurturing Houses

Many of the children who live at Ness and Tay are neurodiverse, so the team has gone to great lengths to ensure the houses, structures and routines support and empower each child’s needs. The children love cuddles, running their feet across tactile rugs, playing outside in the forest grounds and reading stories. With some of the children being non-verbal, staff often communicate through drawings, Makaton, Talking Mats and other visual supports. Each week, the houses also promote a Makaton Word of the Week.

This specialist provision was not only celebrated by the recent Care Inspection but was also recognised by the  (NAS) through their Autism Accreditation Programme last month. Ness and Tay were the first houses to receive this incredible accolade, demonstrating our dedication and commitment to championing the rights of young people and providing the highest level of care and support to meet their individual needs.

The excellent grading was recognised by Head of Operations, Chris McDonnell, in a communication to staff, saying: “To everyone connected with Forest View, I hope you take a genuine sense of pride in what you have achieved. This recognition has been earned through your hard work, resilience and commitment, and it is thoroughly deserved. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, professionalism and compassion. The difference you make to the lives of our young people every single day is truly remarkable, and this achievement is a testament to everything you do.”

A huge well done to everyone involved. We know this is only the beginning of what is still to come as we continue to shape and develop services that provide the highest standards of care and support for young people and their families.

When I found out I had the opportunity to attend the Conference in Newfoundland, I felt incredibly honoured and excited. It’s not every day you’re given the chance to represent your organisation at an international conference, and I was grateful for the opportunity to learn, share ideas and bring those experiences back to 91����.

I then pictured the usual conference experience: long days, uncomfortable chairs, networking with strangers and feeling a little out of place.

Although some of that was true; what I wasn’t expecting was meeting some of the biggest names in Child and Youth Care, getting to see whales in their natural habitat, being ‘Screeched In’ as an honorary Newfoundlander in a ritualistic ceremony (apparently following in Anthony Bourdain’s footsteps), and returning to Scotland with 91���� having been recognised with an international award for Outstanding Contribution. Not bad for a week’s work.

An Island Brimming with Character

Newfoundland has a personality all of its own.

The colourful houses, coastal scenery and genuinely welcoming people make it unlike anywhere else I’ve visited. Despite being thousands of miles from home, there was something oddly Scottish about it all.

Maybe it was the history. Maybe it was the humour. Maybe it was the weather (although we were lucky!).

Whatever it was, it never felt far from home.

One of my favourite memories was heading out whale watching with my colleague, Donna, in our spare time. The conference spoke of relationships and connection, and this experience was a powerful extension of the conversation – a reminder to slow down and connect with people, places and nature. Seeing magnificent humpback whales surface a few metres from the boat was an experience I’ll never forget,

Then there was the Screech-In ceremony. For those unfamiliar with Newfoundland tradition, it involves a local ceremony, sampling the region’s famous tipple, kissing a cod fish and becoming an honorary Newfoundlander! Anthony Bourdain famously took part in this ritual during his visit, so naturally I felt I was keeping excellent company.

Safe to say the crowd loved it. The cod, however, looked rather less enthusiastic.

The Importance of Everyday Moments

Of course, the conference itself was the reason we were there.

One thing became obvious very quickly.

Whether you’re working in Canada, Scotland or elsewhere, we’re all wrestling with many of the same questions.

How do we retain great staff?

How do we build relationships that genuinely heal?

How do we lead well when services are under increasing pressure?

And how do we continue putting children at the centre when systems don’t always make that easy?

Several sessions really resonated with me because they reflected conversations that we’re already having at 91����.

The discussion around healing relationships reinforced something we know well – that relationships aren’t a small piece of the intervention; they are the intervention. As residential practitioners, we spend thousands of ordinary moments alongside young people, and it’s often those everyday interactions that make the greatest difference.

A session exploring relational supervision and leadership particularly stood out. It challenged leaders to think less about managing tasks and more about creating environments where staff feel connected, supported and able to do emotionally demanding work. Anyone working in residential care knows that if we want young people to experience safe relationships, our staff need to experience them too.

There was also a strong emphasis on developing relational practitioners through supervision, something that aligns closely with 91����’s commitment to reflective practice and continuous learning. It was reassuring to see that the conversations we’re having in Scotland are also taking place internationally.

It wasn’t about discovering revolutionary ideas. It was about realising that good practice looks remarkably similar wherever you go.

Proud to Be Part of the Conversation

One of the highlights of the trip was spending time with Martin Stabrey, Chief Operating Officer at CYC-Net – a global online community and knowledge-sharing platform dedicated to advancing the field of child and youth care

Martin spoke incredibly highly of 91���� and of Scotland’s ongoing support for CYC-Net. It was a genuinely proud moment – not just personally, but professionally – to hear such positive recognition for the organisation and the contribution 91���� continues to make to the wider Child and Youth Care community.

Sometimes you don’t realise how highly your organisation is regarded until someone from the other side of the world tells you.

Our Voice Carries

As if the week hadn’t already been memorable enough, it finished with 91���� receiving recognition from CYC-Net for outstanding contribution.

Awards are always nice. But this one felt different.

It recognised years of commitment to developing Child and Youth Care – not just within 91����, but through sharing practice internationally, supporting learning and contributing to a profession that benefits when organisations work together rather than in competition.

Standing there, representing Scotland on an international stage, was a reminder that although we’re a relatively small country, our voice carries.

Bringing It Home

The biggest thing I brought back wasn’t a notebook full of ideas, but a lot of reassurance that the work happening at 91���� stands comfortably alongside some of the best Child and Youth Care organisations in the world.

That our focus on relationships, reflective practice and trauma-informed care isn’t just something we talk about internally – it’s recognised internationally as good practice.

I’m so grateful to 91���� for this opportunity, and have come home with new connections, a slightly expanded waistline (thanks to Newfoundland hospitality), and a healthy respect for just how small the Child and Youth Care world really is.

As one of the largest gatherings of the autism and ADHD community, the event offered valuable learning opportunities, helping Emma Jordan, Louise Donnelly and Charlotte Tochel build on their existing knowledge and continue strengthening the support we provide to the young people in our care.

The conference came at a particularly timely moment for our staff teams, with our intensive children’s houses, Bute and Buchanan, having successfully completed the National Autistic Society Accreditation last month, and Jura and Islay in our Safe Centre due to go through the accreditation later this month. It was a valuable opportunity to continue developing the support we provide across Secure and Intensive Services.

Across the two-day event, there was a comprehensive programme of theatre sessions, workshops, advice hubs, one-to-one clinics, specialist services and resources. Many of the children and young people we support across 91���� are neurodiverse, so dedicated events like this provide important opportunities to develop and strengthen existing practice. According to Service Manager, Emma Jordan:

“The conference gave us practical ideas that we can use in our day-to-day work, and we were also able to network with training providers and other professionals to explore future learning opportunities, including strategies to support PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and Lego Therapy.

There was also the opportunity for one-to-one advice, if required, as well as a showcase of sensory pods and equipment.”

The team was particularly impressed by the lengths organisers had gone to in creating an accessible, inclusive and sensitive space for all attendees. Presentations were listened to through headphones to keep noise to a minimum, while the lighting was kept low to create a calmer environment. It was a great example of how small adjustments can make events much more inclusive for autistic people and those with sensory needs.

But this was no ordinary pantomime, oh no it wasn’t, as the comedic script was brilliantly written by a former pupil alongside our school drama teacher. Bringing a fresh Scottish twist to the timeless fairytale, the actors told the story of young Jack who boldly exchanged the family cow for five magic beans. In a fit of rage, Jack’s mother threw the beans out of the window, where they sprouted and grew into a gigantic beanstalk that led to the land of giants. It was only fitting that the starring role was played by our talented playwright, who joined an epic cast of pupils and staff to bring the story to life.

Families, friends, staff and pupils from Forest View Primary School, who will be welcomed to Goudie Academy next term, all came along to enjoy the performance. From the opening moments, the cast had the audience enthralled, singing along, laughing and joining in with the kind of exuberance only a pantomime can inspire. As the lights came down, guests were able to restore their singing voices with delicious homemade ice cream made by Frozen Fix, our talented young enterprise team.

Giant Achievements

Our creative writer and producer helped shape the entire production. Starting with the bones of Jack and the Beanstalk, he helped create a version with its own unique flavour, including the fictional setting of Trot Farm, the character of Granny Trot and a troll-inspired storyline that added plenty of humour and originality. His creativity was clear from the start, but so too was his leadership. As rehearsals progressed, he supported the cast, shared ideas generously and naturally stepped into a role that was part writer, part performer and, at times, very nearly assistant director.

The performance gave each pupil the opportunity to showcase how far they had come. Many demonstrated increased confidence, resilience and willingness to step outside their comfort zones, taking on new challenges and embracing the experience of performing in front of an audience. Throughout the show, pupils showed growing confidence, strong characterisation and an ability to bring both humour and emotional depth to their roles. Each performer contributed their own strengths, and their collective progress and commitment played a key part in making the production such a success.

The Magic of Teamwork

Of course, no pantomime comes together through the cast alone. Behind the scenes, there was a huge team effort, with one pupil taking on the role of stagehand and staff supporting with music, lighting, prop design, costumes, backstage and more. The Art Department was central to the performance, designing and creating the set and props that brought Trot Farm to life and helping transform the stage into Robert’s imagined world. Their work added colour, humour and atmosphere, proving once again that in school productions the magic is often built as much with paint, cardboard and imagination as it is with lines and costumes.

What stood out most across the whole process was not just the final performance, but the growth behind it. Through rehearsals, script development, performance and backstage teamwork, young people developed confidence, communication skills, resilience and the ability to support one another under pressure. They created something entertaining for the audience, but they also learned a great deal about collaboration, creativity and what can happen when everyone pulls together.

Goudie Academy’s summer pantomime was a wonderful reminder of the talent, humour and determination of its young people and staff. Everyone involved should be hugely proud of what they achieved. If this year’s production is anything to go by, the bar has now been set very high for next summer – no pressure.

This is an incredibly proud moment for our charity, who ensures children, young people and adults get tailored care, education, support and opportunities to help them thrive in all aspects of their lives. After months of rigorous self-assessment and reflective practice, 91���� was formally measured across five core areas including: emotional wellbeing, social communication, interaction and relationships, and sensory experiences. Through spending observational time within our houses, schools, and family sessions, 91���� was praised for its strong person-centred, trauma-informed culture, it’s nurturing relationships and emotional support, strong development of independent and life skills, and high quality-communication support.

About the Autism Accreditation Programme

The Autism Accreditation Programme is the UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance scheme, offering specialist support and development for organisations working with autistic people. Achieving accreditation demonstrates a clear commitment to understanding autism and delivering high-quality, evidence-informed practice. It provides a recognised way for services to show they offer effective and meaningful support to autistic children and adults.

With more than 30 years of experience, Autism Accreditation is an internationally recognised standard and remains the longest-running programme of its kind worldwide.

Championing Equality and Inclusion

Across 91����, a number of the children and young people we support have neurodevelopmental conditions including autism. We therefore take a child-centred, trauma-informed approach across our practice, education, environments, resources and culture to ensure young people are supported, understood, and included in all aspects of life.

The first services within 91���� to receive the NAS accreditation were our children’s houses Ness and Tay at our primary-years campus in Lochwinnoch. Our houses were highly praised for the way in which they champion the children in their care. Social stories play a significant part in helping children to understand and prepare for activities and events in their day. The stories are highly visual, using inclusive language that follows a linear, time-based communication style – now, next, then.Staff use a range of tools to support children, including visual communication methods, social stories, the use of sign-based communication, Makaton and digital systems.

The houses, gardens and forest grounds offer nurturing sensory spaces for the children. Many of the children love running their feet over the tactile rugs, jumping on the trampoline, or walking through the forest and mimicking the bird song. The environment helps children to feel calm, happy and safe. But of course, the thing that makes them feel the safest is the wonderful cuddles from the trusting adults around them.  

After Ness and Tay’s successful accreditation, we’re now actively going through the accreditation programme across further service “clusters” including education, and further children’s houses including intensive support and secure care services. We’re on target to achieve the next phase of our organisation-wide accreditation by summer 2026. This is a key milestone for 91����, and we look forward to continuing to shape systems and practice that champion the needs, rights and voices of all young people.

The prestigious award was achieved across all three of our schools including Forest View Primary, Goudie Academy and Mirin Academy. Receiving the award is a huge accolade, and is testament to the warm, welcoming and nurturing environment created by our education staff, parents / carers and communities that support our schools.

Achieving the Award

Work began on the accreditation in October 2023, led by 91����’s ‘Nurturing Approaches’ specialists, Jackie Blair, Rachel Francis, Jennifer Stewart and Chloe Coulston. The dedicated team worked across the organisation to drive forward the Six Principles of Nurture. This included supporting the removal of barriers in learning and wellbeing, interventions supporting young people to succeed, and methods to improve engagement and attendance.

A total of six modules were completed, with a final report submitted which covered 37 different standards.  The final stage in the process was a virtual visit which was conducted on 25^th February 2026, where assessors were given a tour of our schools, and the opportunity to speak with teachers, instructors, parents and carers, and those who are integral in the children’s education and wellbeing.

Assessors were overwhelmed by the inclusive, nurturing environments created within our indoor and outdoor classrooms, facilities and supports available to help children engage with learning. What was most apparent, was the authenticity demonstrated by the teams alongside the nurturing relationships young people had with the teams.

The efforts across the campus were celebrated in the final report with it being noted by assessors, ‘these education settings may be small in size, but are huge on impact!’

Jackie Swan, Executive Director of Education at 91���� commented: “Receiving the Nurturing Schools Award is an incredible achievement for our schools and something I am incredibly proud of. Ensuring children and young people feel safe, happy and supported in all aspects of their education promotes greater engagement and ultimately helps them achieve better educational outcomes. A huge well done to all involved.”

Arti Sharma, CEO, nurtureuk said: “91����’s achievement of the National Nurturing Schools Award is a powerful demonstration of what truly inclusive education looks like in practice. Their settings welcome some of the most vulnerable children and young people; those who have experienced significant trauma, disrupted education and difficult transitions, and ensure every one of them feels safe, valued and genuinely at home. 

Meeting all 37 standards of the National Nurturing Schools Programme is a remarkable achievement, but what sets 91���� apart is that inclusion is not a policy here; it is a way of being. Every adult, every space and every shared meal sends the same message to young people: you belong here. Nurtureuk is proud to recognise 91���� with this award, and we hope their approach inspires settings across the country to consider how nurturing principles can transform outcomes for the children who need it most.”

Delivering a Nurturing Education

Across our schools and environments, we go to lengths to ensure children and young people feel safe, welcome and engaged in learning. This includes having smaller class sizes, of up to six pupils, classrooms support workers and key workers. In addition, children and young people are supported by our in-house Specialist Intervention Services (SIS) team, comprised of psychologists and therapists which provide a range of supports and interventions to help children manage often difficult emotions. Across our schools we also place an emphasis on outdoor learning environments, space to play, and sensory rooms for when young people need some time away from class.

Our teams also hold regular Shared Understanding meetings for each young person, where all those working around the child including teachers, keyworkers, a SIS worker, social worker, and parent / carer where possible come together to ensure all aspects of care, support and education are seamlessly aligned. These are just some of the many ways in which we ensure our educational culture is supportive, inclusive and nurturing.

Across 91����’s services, we are also actively working towards organisation-wide Autism Accreditation from the National Autistic Society, having been awarded this for our children’s houses, Ness and Tay in April 2026. This internationally recognised award demonstrates 91����’s commitment to providing the highest quality of care, support and education opportunities for young people and adults with autism.

Through Career Start, job seekers who want to make a positive difference to young people can qualify as a Child and Youth Care Worker. Ruby jumped at the chance for the practical learning experience while earning a wage.

Ruby now works in one of our therapeutic residential houses, creating safe and nurturing routines for care-experienced young children while supporting their emotional development.

Ruby reflects on her life before Career Start: “I’m from the Inverclyde area and always knew I wanted to work with young people. Before becoming a trainee, I worked in hospitality, pharmacy and sales – but supporting children who’ve experienced trauma was always my end goal.”

The training has been life-changing for Ruby too: “It’s so important for every young person to have an adult they feel safe with and Career Start gave me the opportunity to be that grown-up for someone.”

Playing an important role in the lives of young people is something Ruby finds truly fulfilling: “There’s no fixed routine in this job – every day is different, and I love that. The relationships you build with the young people are amazing. Communication, critical thinking and problem-solving are all key skills I’ve developed and continue to grow in this role.”

Ruby is now encouraging others to take the leap and apply: “If you’re even thinking about applying – do it. It’s an incredible opportunity. You learn so much in just one year, and it’s one of the most rewarding jobs you can have.”

Be Part of Our Team

Now is the time to join Career Start and become a positive influence to care-experience young people.

Career Start gives young people an opportunity to earn while training as a Child and Youth Care Worker. This caught the attention of university graduate Allanah.

After graduating from university with a degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies, Allanah initially considered a career in teaching – but a friend’s recommendation led her to apply for the 12-month, paid traineeship at 91���� instead.

Allanah explains why she decided to apply to Career Start: “I’m from the Renfrewshire area and have always wanted a job that felt meaningful and rewarding. Having worked in retail since I was 16 and spending time teaching English abroad, I knew I wanted to support young people in a more hands-on way.”

Every day is different, which Allanah enjoys: “Working at 91���� has been an incredibly enriching experience. No two days are the same. From helping with homework to planning fun activities and days out – like a recent trip to Braehead with one of the young people – it’s these everyday moments that help build trust and strong relationships.”

Photo of Allanah taken by a young person on a shopping trip.

Although Allanah acknowledges there can be challenges, she says the rewards far outweigh the difficulties: “Learning about the trauma that some young people have faced, and how that can affect their behaviour, isn’t easy. But the level of training and support we receive – as well as the sense of purpose – makes it all worthwhile. I’d encourage anyone considering a career in childcare to apply.”

Career Start is open to all and welcomes applications from those who want to make a difference to the lives of young people. No prior experience or formal qualifications are required. Trainees are supported to gain an HNC in Social Services while receiving a full-time wage based on the Scottish Living Wage, with a guaranteed interview for a permanent role on successful completion of the course.

Be Part of Our Team

Now is the time to join Career Start and become a positive influence to care-experience young people.

Career Start welcomes applications from anyone who wants to help others. It’s a chance for people with life experience to change careers or for graduates and young adults to create a fulfilling livelihood for themselves.

Those who apply can expect to earn a living wage, gain invaluable work experience and study towards a HNC in Social Services. Upon completion, an interview to become a Child and Youth Care Worker at 91���� is guaranteed. It’s a rewarding role that brings a strong sense of purpose, alongside exceptional staff benefits and career progression opportunities.

As a Child and Youth Care Worker, you’ll make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young adults by becoming a trusted, familiar presence. Day to day, you’ll support them with routines and activities such as attending school, enjoying hobbies and making the most of their leisure time.

91���� supports individuals up to the age of 26 meaning your new job will offer plenty of variety. It suits people who can show commitment, flexibility and resilience.

Report writing and monitoring are also an important part of the job, helping to keep care plans up to date and ensure each person receives the best possible support.

Highly recommended by those who have completed the course. We’ve welcomed people from a wide range of backgrounds including graduates, career changers, tradespeople and parents. Many initially didn’t realise how valuable their existing skills and life experience would be in this new career.

Allanah graduated with a degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies and spent time teaching English abroad. She was considering a teaching job before deciding on our traineeship.

Ruby brought life experience from working across hospitality, pharmacy and sales.

Ryan wanted to change careers after working as a landscaper.

Julie Ann chose our traineeship to return to work after raising her own kids.

Be Part of Our Team

Now is the time to join Career Start and become a positive influence to care-experience young people.