Clackmannanshire Council is committed to ensuring that children and young people who require residential care receive safe, nurturing and high quality support that meets their individual needs. Wherever possible, we aim to support children and young people to remain within their local communities and maintain important relationships with family, friends, education and wider support networks.
When residential care is required, we carefully consider the needs, strengths and wishes of each child or young person to identify the most appropriate placement and support. This includes consideration of emotional wellbeing, relationships, education, health needs, cultural identity and long-term planning.
Woodside is Clackmannanshire’s Children’s House and provides local residential care for children and young people who are looked after and accommodated. However, there may be occasions where we are unable to provide a placement locally due to assessed need, capacity, matching considerations or the requirement for a more specialist service. In these circumstances, residential care may be provided through another registered residential childcare provider.
Where a child or young person is supported in an external placement, Clackmannanshire Council continues to work closely with the child, their family, carers and the provider to ensure care remains coordinated, consistent and centred around the child’s wellbeing and outcomes.
Children, Young People and their families can expect
We recognise that moving into residential care can be a significant experience for children, young people and families. Our priority is to ensure that children feel safe, supported and listened to, and that care planning is guided by compassion, stability and positive relationships.
Woodside is Clackmannanshire’s Children’s House, providing residential care and support for up to five young people who are looked after away from home for a variety of reasons. Our home offers a safe, nurturing and relationship based environment where children and young people are supported to feel valued, respected and cared for.
At Woodside, we recognise that every young person has their own story, strengths and experiences. Our approach is trauma informed and guided by the principles of PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) and Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP). We aim to build trusting relationships that help young people feel emotionally and physically safe, develop resilience and experience a sense of belonging.
We work alongside children and young people to help them build positive relationships, achieve their goals and experience opportunities within their local community. Support is tailored to individual needs and focuses on promoting wellbeing, stability, education, independence and positive outcomes for the future.
Woodside works collaboratively with families, carers and a wide range of professionals including education services, psychological services, health professionals and community partners to ensure children and young people receive consistent and holistic support.
Our service is informed by the Council’s responsibilities as a corporate parent and by the principles of The Promise, ensuring children and young people are listened to, included in decisions about their lives and supported to thrive.
Woodside provides residential care for children and young people who are looked after and accommodated by Clackmannanshire Council.
Referrals to Woodside are made through Clackmannanshire Children’s Services Resource Allocation Group. Decisions regarding placements are based on a comprehensive assessment of the child or young person’s needs, risks, strengths and compatibility within the home environment.
The service is generally for young people aged 11 years and upwards who require residential care and support that cannot currently be met within a family setting. Placements may include short-term, medium-term or longer-term support depending on assessed need and care planning arrangements.
Young people may also continue to receive support beyond the age of 18 where this is appropriate and in line with continuing care and aftercare responsibilities.
Children and young people living at Woodside are supported to access a range of local and specialist services to promote their wellbeing, development and independence.
This may include support from
We encourage young people to remain connected to their communities, friendships, interests and aspirations wherever possible.
For further information and support, please access the community directory.
Woodside provides a warm, homely and supportive environment where young people are encouraged to develop confidence, independence and positive life experiences.
We are committed to listening to children, young people, families and professionals to continually improve the quality of care and support we provide. Feedback and suggestions are welcomed and help us ensure the service remains nurturing, inclusive and responsive to the needs of young people in Clackmannanshire.
Key features of the service include
Young people are encouraged to personalise their living spaces and contribute to decisions about daily life within the home. Staff support young people with compassion, consistency and curiosity, recognising behaviours as communication and responding in ways that maintain connection and safety.
Find out more about the service via recent Care Inspectorate Inspection Reports.
Referrals to Woodside are considered through Clackmannanshire Children’s Services Resource Allocation Group.
Following referral, information is gathered from relevant professionals and agencies to ensure a clear understanding of the child or young person’s needs. This includes consideration of:
Where appropriate, visits and transition planning are arranged to support the young person to become familiar with Woodside and begin building relationships with staff.
Care planning is undertaken collaboratively with the young person, their family where appropriate, social work staff and partner agencies to ensure support is responsive, consistent and centred around the child’s needs and aspirations.
Social Services
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: customerservice@clacks.gov.uk