Southwood was opened in 1945 as a home for boys only then by 1954 Southwood had accepted some girls before becoming a mixed home in 1955/6. Southwood was to become the first Dr. Barnardo's home dealing solely with disabled children. In  August of  1957 Southwood became a sort stay home for children with learning disabilities. Then prior to 1964 Southwood became a holiday home for 25 children with learning disabilities. The home closed in February of 1977. The children were transferred to Morley Manor.

Southwood House was built for the Bourne family who owned Denby Pottery in the 1880s. This is former Barnardo's children's home is now a school for autistic children in old Holbrook.

Holbrook, Hale Broc is the Saxon name for Hobrook, meaning Badger Hill.