Shrewsbury Lane Woolwich care home for vulnerable children approved

Greenwich Council held a planning committee meeting, made up of Greenwich Councillors, on January 30 and the plan was proposed by members two of the public - Uwaila Efinnayi and Victoria Oluwaseun.

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

Uwaila and Victoria specified that ideally the home will hold three children with the fourth room being used for emergencies.

47 Shrewsbury Lane (Image: Greenwich Council)

Uwaila said that the pair are working to “ultimately give a child another chance" as "you really have to have heart to make that positive impact in their lives.”

The home will be suitable for children between the ages of seven and 18 and members of staff will be with children at all times as they work to different shift patterns.

Uwaila said: “When we say four children, you are registered to accommodate four as a maximum.

“However, most of the time we have to accommodate three children and have one room as a contingency room that is for if there is an emergency, for example if we have an electrical repair in one room – worst case scenario – so the other toom could be utilised for that purpose.”

The pair already run another residential home for vulnerable children in Kent which is both Ofsted and CQC registered and so understand the requirements local authorities expect to be met.

They added: “Right now in the industry people are pulling their hair out to maintain an Ofsted registered manager because you have to pay attention to details and there’s lots of regulations.

“There are various things we have to put in place – the list is endless.

“The staff have to actually be people that are experienced.

“What is important and what Ofsted want most is consistency and making a positive impact on the life of the children.

“We are actually looking at them moving from point A to B. They’re not expected to be angels overnight it’s always a work in progress.

“I can just go on and on, it’s children we’re talking about who are very vulnerable.”

Councillor Asli Mohammed said: “I completely support this application, it is a well needed application for vulnerable children whether they are in this borough or not.

“They obviously accommodate the most vulnerable children and my specialities have always been with children, I’ve worked with them for 20 years, I sit on a children and young people’s panel for the borough of Greenwich so we know the demand for provisions like this.

“It’s not easy, they’re well scrutinised, not only by one authority but by many including Ofsted. So, I’m in favour. “

After approving the item, Councillor Gary Dillon said: “Ladies I want to commend you on the good work that you’re doing and the provision that you’re providing to those children in need. Thank you very much.”

Planning officers proposed that the site is walking-distance to various schools, services and amenities in the area making it an ideal place for vulnerable children to be.