The past two days at the Children’s Home Association 2026 Conference have been nothing short of exceptional. As Regional Directors and Responsible Individuals, attending alongside colleagues from across the country reminded us just how committed, resilient and forward‑thinking our sector truly is. This year’s theme “Towards a Resilient Residential Sector: Learning from the Past, Protecting the Future” couldn’t have been more timely.
Day One: Policy, Practice & Powerful Voices
The conference opened with Louisa Foyle, whose energy and passion for care‑experienced children and young people set the tone for two days of learning, reflection and ambition.
We were privileged to hear from sector‑leading voices including:
- Dr Mark Kerr, CEO of CHA, challenging us to consider whether we are forgetting what we already know and how wisdom from the past must shape reforms ahead.
- Sir Martyn Oliver & Yvette Stanley, in conversation with Niall Kelly, offering the first insights into Ofsted’s most significant regulatory reforms in decades, including the introduction of Flexible Community Children’s Homes.
- Rachel W, whose lived experience and groundbreaking work on Communication Under Distress continues to reshape how we understand behaviour, trauma and safeguarding.
- Amanda Knowles, Teri Short, and other speakers who brought depth, honesty and practical insight into the realities of residential care.
The afternoon closed with Dr Kevin Yong, exploring the rapid rise of AI in social care and asking the question many of us have been quietly wondering: Are we embracing AI because it’s new, or because it genuinely improves outcomes?
The Awards Evening: Celebrating Excellence
The evening ceremony was a highlight, hosted by Andy & Matt Smith of Smash Life, whose warmth, humour and lived experience brought heart to every moment.
We joined colleagues in celebrating outstanding professionals across the sector practitioners, managers, RIs, educators, innovators and advocates. The shortlist reflected the very best of residential childcare, and the atmosphere in the room was electric with pride.
A beautiful dinner, live music from Diamond Edition, and the chance to connect with teams from across the UK made the night unforgettable.
Day Two: Deep Learning & Sector Leadership
Day two opened with arrival coffee and a sense of renewed energy.
The morning session with Dr Dan Hughes was a true international exclusive. Hearing directly from the founder of DDP and PACE (approaches that shape daily practice in our homes) was invaluable. His reflections on emotional safety, connection and relational practice will stay with us for a long time.
Later sessions included:
Professor Harry Sumnall, offering evidence‑based insight into ketamine use and the challenges emerging in residential childcare.
Dr Hannah Hayward, exploring neurodiversity, exploitation and communication around relationships and consent, a session that will undoubtedly influence team development and safeguarding practice.
Dr Louise Grant, reminding us of the emotional labour carried by managers and team, and the importance of reflective supervision and organisational resilience.
Our Reflections
Across both days, one message stood out: the residential sector is evolving and we are evolving with it.
We left feeling inspired, connected and proud of the work happening across the country. The conference reinforced the importance of:
- evidence‑based practice
- compassionate leadership
- sector‑wide collaboration
- listening to lived experience
- protecting the future by learning from the past
As Beaufort Care Group continues to grow, innovate and strengthen our homes, events like this remind us why we do what we do and why the children we serve deserve nothing less than excellence.
Here’s to resilience, reflection and the future of residential childcare.
