20th & 21st OCTOBER // HILTON BIRMINGHAM METROPOLE

2026 CHA Conference &

National Children's Homes Awards

'Towards a resilient residential sector' - Learning from the Past, Protecting the Future

2 Days

Expert Speakers

OFSTED and DfE

300+ Providers

National Children's Homes Awards 2026 Ceremony Dinner

UK's most important event in residential childcare in 2026

20 & 21st October at The Hilton Birmingham Metropole

Two full days of expert speakers offering real-world tools and powerful, actionable insights

Sessions covering policy, practice, and professional excellence

Relaxing, spacious venue ideal for collaboration and learning

Free spa and gym access for all-inclusive ticket holders

An evening of celebration at our 2026 National Children's Homes Awards Ceromony (scroll down for more information and how to enter)

Early Bird All-Inclusive Tickets are now available: All-inclusive tickets include 2-day conference attendance, a place at the National Children's Homes Awards ceremony and on-site accommodation at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole!

Save up to £260 on All-inclusive tickets if you're a member of The Children's Homes Association.

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Why attend?

Speakers confirmed so far...

Dr Dan Hughes

INTERNATIONAL EXCLUSIVE: WHAT'S NEXT FOR DDP AND P.A.C.E?

Dr Dan Hughes himself is flying in from Canada, providing a rare opportunity to hear directly from the founder of DDP and PACE and one of the most influential voices in trauma-informed practice.

Dr Hannah Hayward

NEURODIVERSITY, EXPLOITATION AND TALKING ABOUT SEX

Leave with evidence-based insights, greater understanding of neurodiverse experiences, and tools to support children – and the staff caring for them - with compassion, clarity and confidence.

Professor Harry Sumnall

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KETAMINE

Professor in Substance Abuse whose research spans drug prevention, policy, harm reduction and emerging trends such as ketamine and psychedelic use.

Sir Martyn Oliver & Yvette Stanley

IN CONVERSATION WITH OFSTED

Be the first to hear and discuss the next steps after Ofsted's major consultation, and around the most significant changes to children's homes regulation in decades.

Smash Life

AWARDS HOSTS

Experts by Experience, Andy and Matt, will be presenting this year's National Children's Homes Awards ceremony!

Rachel W - Living Legacy Learning

SEEING BEYOND BEHAVIOUR - THE CULTURE SHIFT THAT CAN'T WAIT

Labelled as one of the UK's most disturbed children whilst living in residential care, now one of the most powerful and transformative sector voices of our time. Rachel W will fundamentally change the way you understand behaviour, trauma and safeguarding.

Dr Mark Kerr

ARE WE FORGETTING WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW?

Expect an engaging overview of key evidence and research that is in danger of being overlooked in policy and practice. Explore what our sector must collectively do to retain critical wisdom, and steer sector changes in a child-centred way.

Kevin Yong

WE'RE ALL 'EMBRACING AI' - BUT DO WE REALLY NOW HOW OR WHY?

Dr Kevin Yong, a leading AI expert and Managing Director of Coram-I, will eliminate your confusion and give you greater confidence managing the biggest technological explosion since the internet.

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Explore our venue: Hilton Birmingham Metropole

Still not convinced? Watch a recap from last year's event

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EXCLUSIVE TO CHA MEMBERS

National Children's Homes Awards 2026

Every day, professionals in our sector go above and beyond for children and young people—but their vital work too often goes unrecognised, which is why in 2025 we launched these annual awards to honour the leadership, compassion, and innovation that make our members so impactful. The Awards ceremony dinner and entertainment will take place on the evening of 20th October and attendance and accommodation are included in all-inclusive conference tickets!

If you're not yet a CHA member, why not join today so you can nominate your organisation or an amazing colleague in this year's awards? CHA Members also receive substantial discounts on all CHA Conference 2026 tickets.