National Children's Homes Awards

Pauline’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From care-experienced young person to exceptional manager, she’s turned her own story into a powerful force for good.

During the lockdown, Pauline drew from her own past to ensure no child under her care felt forgotten. She’s led homes from crisis to excellence, reunited families, supported children into university, and mentored others with grace and generosity. Pauline doesn’t just talk about putting children first—she lives it. Every child she supports knows they are safe, valued, and believed in.

Barbara has been a guiding light for years—well beyond retirement age but still full of fire and devotion.

Whether she’s planning holidays tailored to a child’s interests or listening deeply to their needs, Barbara brings wisdom, warmth, and an unshakable belief in the power of young people.

Barbara, you remind us all that care knows no age limit. Thank you for the legacy you’re building, one meaningful relationship at a time.

Becky Farmer of Oaklea Grange is a beacon of advocacy for some of the most vulnerable children—those with complex mental health needs and histories of trauma. In moments when systems wanted to move children on, or push for reunification too soon, Becky stood firm. She listened to the child's whole voice—even when it came through silence, behaviour, or distress.

Becky, your courage and compassion make you a true champion of rights. You don’t just protect voices—you amplify them. Thank you for your unwavering stand for children’s dignity, agency, and future.

For years, the Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust team studied what truly makes children feel safe—visiting homes across the UK and Europe, listening to voices so often unheard. Their answer? A complete rethinking of space.

Treehouse isn’t just a building—it’s a healing environment. Every detail has been designed to reduce stress, spark joy, and help children feel grounded. It’s therapeutic, homely, and revolutionary. Lighthouse, your architectural brilliance and child-first thinking are setting a new gold standard. Treehouse isn’t just a home—it’s a future.

When their homes first opened, WiNurture faced resistance from local residents. But instead of retreating—they leaned in. With empathy, effort, and a whole lot of action, they broke down stigma and built relationships.

Every week, their young people and staff volunteer—at food banks, with the homeless, and through countless charity events. They’ve raised thousands, shown up consistently, and even taken to local radio to shift hearts and minds about children’s homes. WiNurture, your commitment to community is bold, beautiful, and changing lives—not just within your walls, but across your neighbourhoods.
 

A true trailblazer in therapeutic education is The Mulberry Bush and their ground-breaking Emotional and Social Curriculum. Built on the success of their unique residential approach, this curriculum empowers staff across all settings to support children who are not yet ready to learn in traditional ways.

It’s a resource filled with wisdom, compassion, and decades of experience, created for children who’ve experienced trauma or face social, emotional, or mental health challenges. By helping adults understand and respond to children’s emotional needs first, the Mulberry Bush ensures that learning doesn’t just happen—it sticks.
 

At Keswick Care, the Keswick Road team doesn’t just work in partnership—they live it. With deep collaboration across social care, education, health, police, and advocacy services, they ensure that every child receives the holistic, personalised support they deserve.

Their multi-agency meetings are child-led, solution-focused, and always driven by a fierce belief in better outcomes. They’ve built bridges where there were once gaps—and thanks to their leadership, young people now experience joined-up care that feels consistent, responsive, and empowering.
 

The Mulberry Bush blend decades-old wisdom from their founder, Barbara Dockar-Drysdale, with contemporary science on trauma, attachment, and neurodevelopment. They’ve adapted group therapy for families, used play as a tool for connection, and grounded their practice in the belief that behaviour is communication. And they haven’t forgotten the basics—like evidence-based phonics instruction—ensuring no child is left behind in their learning journey.

Hexagon Care dared to explore a difficult but essential question: how do we help young people say goodbye? Using rapid evidence assessment, Gabby’s research into ending attachments in residential care has shed much-needed light on this sensitive phase. Her findings call for stability, gradual transitions, and continuity—ensuring that the final chapter of a young person’s care story is written with dignity, respect, and care.
 

Starting his career in child welfare at just 17, Professor Rose has dedicated his life to helping children who have experienced trauma, loss, and disrupted attachments. He developed what is now internationally known as the Rose Model of Therapeutic Life Story Work—a structured, evidence-based approach that helps young people make sense of their past and build a stronger, healthier sense of identity. His innovative three-stage model—Information Gathering, Internalization, and Life Story Book creation—has become a gold standard in trauma-informed practice.

Professor Rose is the founder of Therapeutic Life Story Work International (TLSWi), through which he has trained thousands of practitioners worldwide. His influence spans continents—from the United Kingdom and Australia to the United States, Europe, and beyond. In 2025, he launched THEiA—the Trauma, Health and Education International Academy—providing over 1,600 carers annually with transformative training based on his model of care.