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Barnardo's Caern ProjectEdinburgh
Children & Young People

Barnardo's Caern Project

Edinburgh

About Barnardo's Caern Project

Barnardo's Caern Project is a children and young people's care service located in Edinburgh, operated by Barnardo's Scotland, one of the UK's most established children's charities. At its most recent Care Inspectorate inspection in December 2025, the service achieved an average grade of Very Good, rated 5 out of 6 on Scotland's care quality scale, reflecting a strong commitment to high standards of care and support.

The service provides general care for children and young people, offering a supportive environment tailored to the individual needs of those in its care. As part of the wider Barnardo's Scotland network, the Caern Project benefits from the organisation's extensive experience and expertise in working with vulnerable young people.

Based in the City of Edinburgh, the service is well positioned to connect young people with local communities and resources, supporting positive outcomes and helping them thrive in a safe, nurturing setting.

Last Inspection
12 December 2025

Care Inspectorate Grades

Care homes in Scotland are graded on a 6-point scale (1-6) across five key questions. Grades range from Unsatisfactory (1) to Excellent (6).

Wellbeing Support
How well do we support people's wellbeing?
Very Good5
Care Planning
How good is our care and support planning?
Very Good5
Setting
How good is our setting?
Very Good5
Staff Team
How good is our staff team?
Very Good5
Leadership
How good is our leadership?
Very Good5
View Full Report on Care Inspectorate

5 Questions to Ask on Your Visit

When visiting Barnardo's Caern Project, consider asking...

  1. 1.How do you support young people to maintain contact with their family?
  2. 2.What education and skills development is available?
  3. 3.How do you handle situations where a young person is distressed or at risk?
  4. 4.How are young people involved in decisions about their own care?
  5. 5.What does the transition plan look like as a young person approaches adulthood?

5 Things to Look For on Your Visit

When you visit Barnardo's Caern Project, look out for...

  1. 1.Does the environment feel homely and age-appropriate, not institutional?
  2. 2.Do staff interact with young people as individuals, not just service users?
  3. 3.Is there evidence of personalisation -- young people's own belongings, artwork, choices?
  4. 4.Do young people seem comfortable and relaxed around staff?
  5. 5.Is the atmosphere positive and nurturing, or tense and controlled?
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