A children’s home is a residential care setting that provides a safe, structured, and nurturing environment for children and young people who cannot live with their families. These homes are regulated by government bodies such as Ofsted (in England) to ensure the highest standards of care, protection, and support.
At Welcare, we understand that choosing or working with a children’s home is a significant decision. Whether you’re a parent, a social worker, a prospective franchisee, or someone simply seeking clarity, this hub is designed to provide transparent, helpful, and up-to-date information about children’s homes in the UK.
Who Lives in a Children’s Home?
Children’s homes support children and young people aged 5 to 18 who are in the care of the local authority. These may include children who :
- Have experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse
- Have complex emotional or behavioural needs
- Cannot be placed with foster families or relatives
- Need therapeutic or secure environments
Each child’s needs are unique. Homes are designed to meet those needs through a combination of care, therapy, education, and community support.
What Does Daily Life Look Like in a Children’s Home?
Life in a children’s home is structured to provide consistency, support, and personal development. Children attend school, participate in daily routines, and engage in therapeutic and recreational activities. Staff are trained to respond to emotional needs with empathy and professionalism.
Welcare homes also prioritise participation. Children are involved in decisions about their care, house routines, and even meal planning because healing starts with feeling heard.
Who Works in a Children’s Home?
Children’s homes are staffed by professionals who specialise in residential childcare, trauma-informed care, and safeguarding. These include:
Residential support workers
Key workers
Registered managers
Therapists and external specialists
All staff undergo rigorous training and background checks. In Welcare homes, staff are further supported by a therapeutic framework and clinical supervision to ensure compassionate, consistent care.
How Are Children Kept Safe?
Safety is paramount in every registered children’s home. This includes:
- Strict safeguarding procedures
- Regular inspections by Ofsted
- Deprivation of liberty safeguards (when applicable)
- Emotional and behavioural support plans
Welcare homes operate under a strong ethos of protection, transparency, and regulation. We ensure all children are listened to, respected, and protected. Always.
What Makes a Good Children’s Home?
Ofsted measures quality based on 9 Quality Standards, ranging from emotional well-being to leadership. A good children’s home is more than compliant. It’s a place of healing, growth, and stability.
Welcare’s homes are rooted in trauma-informed care, therapeutic programming, and child-centred values. We are committed to not just meeting expectations but exceeding them.
Explore More:
Use the links below to explore detailed guides on the following topics:
At Welcare, we believe every child deserves safety, care, and the opportunity to thrive.
Whether you’re looking to learn more, make a referral, or join our mission, this content hub is here to guide you every step of the way.
Let us show you what a children’s home can be.