New children's home is 'first' for borough

The new home will accommodate up to three children and young people

A home to accommodate and support up to three children in care has opened in Berkshire.

Oak House in Windsor has been developed in collaboration with children who are in care, and will allow those who live there to remain close to their support networks.

The home will be staffed 24/7 and has an annex which can be used flexibly to help a young person build independence.

The children and young people will be able to stay there until they move into foster care or independence, depending on their needs.

The home is the first of its kind in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and was developed in collaboration with Kickback, a group of children in care, using their suggestions to create a warm home environment, including furniture, decor and facilities.

Children's services councillor Amy Tisi said: "I'm excited to see the opening of Oak House which will help give young people a welcoming and warm environment that they can thrive in.

"I would like to thank Kickback and local residents for their support in bringing Oak House to life."

The project was allocated £1.8m in funding last year by the council and will reduce costs of alternative care for children and young people in the borough.