The Service

The service

What we offer.

Two purposes run side by side throughout every placement — clearly separated in our records and in the final report.

01

Living together, assessed in real life

Parents and children live in the unit for the assessment. We observe real parenting in real time — night feeds, moments of stress, the school run — not a performance during a scheduled visit. Nights are managed by the parent, with staff present for support and emergencies.

02

Objective assessment

An evidence-based evaluation of parenting capacity by the Lead Assessor and Qualified Social Worker, using validated tools. Findings rest on observed parenting behaviour and professional analysis — never on engagement alone.

03

Structured support

A parenting programme, keywork, clinical input and practical skills development throughout placement. A parent's response to support — engagement, insight, capacity for change — is one source of evidence alongside daily observation.

04

Pre-birth & co-parenting pathways

We accept expectant mothers in the final trimester for pre- and post-birth assessment, and — where the placing authority agrees and risk allows — co-parenting placements, each parent assessed individually and jointly.

Daily life

A nurturing day, observed with care.

The unit is designed to feel as close to a normal home as possible. Parents care for their children throughout — and in a residential assessment, every gentle part of the day is also an opportunity to understand the family.

Morning

The Day Begins togather
Feeding, washing, dressing and the school or nursery run — the warm, ordinary care routines that are also our primary assessment activities.

Daytime

Play, learning & rest
Time for free play and community life, alongside programme sessions on child development, behaviour and school readiness.

Mealtimes

Around the table
Meal planning, preparation and feeding are significant parenting activities, supported with age-appropriate equipment across the 0–8 range.

Night

Settled and safe
Nights are managed by the parent — night feeds, settling, comforting a waking child — with sleep-in staff in the building for support.