Our model

our model of Practice

Woodford’s model is primarily attachment-led and object-relational, informed by trauma-specific care and underpinned by systemic and psychodynamic practice. It is not a theoretical framework that sits on a shelf, but a practice-led approach that shapes the day-to-day care of every child in our homes.

As a Member of the Therapeutic Communities at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, our work is grounded in nationally recognised standards of therapeutic childcare practice, ensuring that children receive care that is reflective, relational, and responsive to their individual needs.

using berri in our assessment of needs

At Woodford, we use the BERRI assessment tool as part of our comprehensive approach to understanding and meeting the needs of children in our care. BERRI is an online tool that brings together a detailed assessment of behaviour, emotional wellbeing, risk, relationships, and indicators of attachment or neurodevelopmental conditions.

Our homes use BERRI to assess needs at the point of referral and throughout placement, with recommended full assessments carried out at least four times per year. This ensures we can evidence progress over time, identify areas requiring targeted intervention, and adapt care plans responsively.

What makes Woodford distinctive is that BERRI sits within a clinically informed framework. Our systemic therapist and art therapist work alongside staff to deepen the assessment process, ensuring the insights generated by BERRI are embedded in practice and integrated into therapeutic support. This combination of data-driven assessment and direct clinical input means our interventions are not only evidence-based, but also relational, reflective, and tailored to each child’s unique story.