£1.8million children's home opens in RBWM

A new accommodation for children in care – ‘the first of its kind in the Royal Borough’ – has opened in Windsor.

Oak House will support up to three children and young people from the borough in a home-like environment.

The home will be staffed 24/7 to provide consistent care, guidance and support and will be managed by Achieving for Children, which provides children’s services in the borough.

Children will be placed in the home based on several factors including individual needs.

They will be able to stay until they can step into foster care or move onto independence, depending on their circumstances and needs.

The home has an annex which can be used flexibly to help a young person build independence.

The introduction of a local in-borough children’s home is intended to allow children to remain close to their support networks such as friends, family and school while living in a stable environment.

Oak House was developed in collaboration with Kickback, a scheme in which young people in care are given the opportunity to express their views on matters that affect their lives.

The children’s suggestions helped create ‘a warm environment’ in the home, including having a say in the furniture, decor and other amenities.

The name of the house was suggested by the group too, with plans to plant an oak sapling in honour of it. 

The project was allocated £1.8 million in funding last year by the council – and it says this will reduce costs of alternative care for young people in the borough.

Councillor Amy Tisi, cabinet member for children's services, education and Windsor, said:

“I’m excited to see the opening of Oak House which will help give young people a welcoming and warm environment that they can thrive in.

“This continues the council’s work to give children and young people in the best start in life. I would like to thank Kickback and local residents for their support in bringing Oak House to life.”