Rossie Young People’s Trust, a community for young people with complex needs, has been commended in two national inspections for the quality of its care.
With a history spanning over 160 years, Rossie provides bespoke education, specialist support and welfare services for children and young people up to age 18. Set amongst 150 acres of mature grounds and woodlands between Arbroath and Montrose, Rossie offers both residential and secure accommodation, supported by almost 200 highly skilled staff.
The secure service, inspected by the Care Inspectorate in February 2026, received a ‘5’ (‘very good’) rating, and the residential (non-secure) service received a ‘6’ (‘excellent’) rating in November 2025. Inspectors spent five days at Rossie’s secure unit, which accommodates up to 26 young people, typically referred through the Children’s Hearing or court systems.
The secure service, spread across five recently upgraded houses, also includes a purpose-built education facility, indoor and outdoor fitness spaces and a Forest School, offering young people opportunities to learn and develop skills in an outdoor environment.
Inspection findings highlighted nurturing care and rich, meaningful experiences. Inspectors noted, “Health needs were well understood and met promptly,” and praised the leadership team for their “strong value base” and “forward-thinking, progressive approach.”
The service was rated highly for supporting children’s rights and wellbeing, with inspectors stating, “Children and young people are safe, feel loved, and get the most out of life.” The report emphasised the service’s trauma-informed care, proactive safeguarding, high-quality, tailored education and enrichment opportunities. Key areas for improvement include consistent recording of searches, care planning, family communication, and quality assurance.
Meanwhile, Rossie’s residential accommodation provides care for young people who are unable to live at home or no longer require secure care. The residential inspection focused on Forth House, a four-bedroom home, which at the time supported three young people.
The service achieved a ‘6’ (‘excellent’) rating for promoting children and young people’s rights and wellbeing. Inspectors praised the prioritisation of safety, strong staff–resident relationships, and staff knowledge of trauma and individual needs. Young people were actively involved in decisions about their care, and the home was described as comfortable, personalised, and well-maintained.
Education was highlighted as “outstanding,” with bespoke learning plans linking young people’s interests to skill development and broader achievements. Physical and mental health needs were fully addressed, with clear pathways for assessment on arrival.
One young person shared, “I love it here – all is good and plenty of staff I would go to if I had any concerns,” while a social worker commented, “I’m impressed with how carefully staff have got to know the young person, their individual needs and abilities.”
Welcoming the inspection outcomes, Kevin Northcott, Chief Executive Officer, said, “Rossie is home to a community of young people, many of whom have faced multiple adverse childhood experiences, resulting in complex needs and vulnerabilities. We support them with age-appropriate care, education, health, and therapeutic interventions, including independent advocacy. Our focus is wholeheartedly on the interests of the young people. To have our work recognised as sector-leading is fantastic praise, but we remain committed to continuous improvement, continually investing in staff training and projects that maximise opportunities and empower young people to live fulfilling lives. By providing a safe and nurturing home, we enable our young people to thrive and achieve positive outcomes.”