Woolwich to set up new care home to ‘give vulnerable children a second chance’

Shrewsbury Lane Woolwich care home for vulnerable children approved (Image: Greenwich City Council/Google Maps Street View)

Planning permission has been approved to convert an unused house in Woolwich into a care home for vulnerable children.

Greenwich City Council held a meeting of its planning committee, which is made up of Greenwich councilors, on January 30, and the plan was proposed by two rank-and-file councilors Uwaira Efinai and Victoria Oluwasun.

The care home, based at 47 Shrewsbury Lane, is designed to accommodate four children.

Uwaira and Victoria said the house would ideally accommodate three children, with the fourth room used for emergencies.

47 Shrewsbury Lane (Image: Greenwich City Council)

Uwaira said it takes “a real heart to make a positive impact on children’s lives” and that the two are working to “ultimately give them a second chance.” .

The facility is suitable for children aged 7 to 18 and staff are with children at all times and work a variety of shift patterns.

Uwaira said: “When we say four children, we are registered to accommodate up to four children.

“But most of the time we have to accommodate three children and we have to set aside one room as an emergency room in case of an emergency, e.g. If a room needs electrical repairs (worst case scenario), the same goes for other rooms. They could be used for that purpose.”

The pair already run alternative homes for vulnerable children in Kent, both Ofsted and CQC registered, and understand the requirements local authorities expect them to meet. doing.

They added: “Currently, there are people in the industry pulling their hair out to keep Ofsted registered managers, as there is a lot of attention to detail and there are a lot of regulations.

“There are so many different things that need to be taken care of, and the list is endless.

“The staff has to be people with real experience.

“The important thing, and what Ofsted wants most, is to be consistent and have a positive impact on children’s lives.

“We’re actually watching them move from point A to point B. They’re not expected to become angels overnight, it’s always a work in progress.

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“I could go on and on, but we are talking about very vulnerable children.”

Councilor Asli Mohamed said: “I fully support this application, it is a much needed application for vulnerable children, whether they are in this borough or not.

“They obviously house the most vulnerable children. My specialty has always been children. I’ve been working with children for 20 years. I’ve worked with children and young people in the Borough of Greenwich. As a member of the committee, I am aware of the need for this type of preparedness.”

“It’s not easy. They’re well scrutinized by many authorities, including Ofsted, not just one authority. So I’m in favor.”

After approving the item, City Councilman Gary Dillon said: thank you very much. “

Planners proposed that the site would be within walking distance of a range of schools, services and facilities in the area, making it an ideal location for vulnerable children.