Hillhouse Children’s House received a very good inspection report, which recognised the positive, trusting relationships between children and staff, and the importance of these relationships in helping children feel safe, respected and involved in their care.

Reflecting on the role children’s houses play in providing stability and support, Councillor Margaret Walker, Chair of the council’s Social Work Resources Committee, said: “I want to thank the staff at Hillhouse Children’s House and the leadership of our children’s social work services for this excellent inspection report.

“Independent findings like this matter because they show that children are experiencing trusting relationships and care that helps them feel safe, respected and listened to.”

The house was recently visited by senior members of social work staff to see first hand the level of care provided.

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “What stayed with me from my visit was how well staff knew the children and the trust that had grown between them. That trust helps children feel safe, respected and able to speak up.

“Being in the house and talking with staff gives a real sense of how care feels for children day to day. Consistency, kindness and trust are what help children feel safe and listened to, and those everyday relationships really matter.”

“My thanks to staff across our children’s social work services, and to our partners — the care and commitment they show every day really does make a difference.”