Winners of the National Children & Young People Awards 2025 Announced

The Employer Award – North
 Winner: Halliwell Homes

Their unique approach to company ownership gives care teams the opportunity to feel truly involved in delivering exceptional care. Combined with their therapeutic approach to supporting both children and staff, this positions Halliwell Homes as an outstanding care provider and employer.

Highly Commended: Moore House Group

This company introduced the DDP approach 14 years ago, making them one of the first organisations to do so. Patricia deserves recognition for this trailblazing initiative. It has had a direct impact on how the care team carry out their roles, as well as the support they receive from their employer and from each other.

The Employer Award – South
 Winner: Bluebell Cottage, PBS Care

The organisation delivers a unique service with a care team who truly embody its culture and values. The enthusiasm and devotion of the senior team shine through, and their nurturing approach to both staff and children is exemplary. As a result, they achieve exceptional outcomes for both children and team members.

Highly Commended: WhiteTrees Group

WhiteTrees Group demonstrates a strong commitment to investing in and developing their care team, ensuring they can provide exceptional support for the children they look after. The senior leadership team shows outstanding levels of care and support for their staff, which in turn leads to the best possible outcomes.

The Employer Award – Central
 Winner: Bayleaf Care Ltd

Bayleaf Care Ltd, led by Melanie Zamir, operates four homes and two onsite schools with a culture rooted in therapy, education, and inclusion. Children are nurtured to progress at their own pace, while staff benefit from CPD, wellbeing initiatives, and flexible benefits, resulting in stability and positive outcomes.

Highly Commended: Hyland Support Services Ltd

Hyland Support Services Ltd, led by Emily Powell, provides six homes for 17 young people with a 27-strong team. Built on honesty, flexibility, and inclusion, the organisation achieves exceptional outcomes. It supports independence, family unity, and community hubs, while also celebrating staff through recognition, activities, and awards. In this way, both staff and young people feel valued and inspired.

The Newcomer Award
 Winner: Luke McCarthy, Thrive Support Services

Luke is committed to reducing incidents and helping children lead more independent lives. He created an in-house personality tool to understand individual needs and uses music as a creative outlet, turning trauma into lyrical expression that fosters healing, growth, and resilience among young people.

Highly Commended: Clive Millard, WhiteTrees Group

Clive draws on his past experiences to inspire and guide others, giving his all to create better opportunities for young people. Through commitment and insight, he champions growth, resilience, and brighter futures, making a lasting positive impact on the lives he touches.

The Leaving Care Award
 Winner: Francesca Salussolia and the Whole Team, Goal 17 Ltd

This year’s winner is Goal 17, led with passion and dedication by CEO Fran. Committed to ensuring care leavers never feel alone, they provide friendship, guidance, and hope through dedicated volunteers. Their work reminds every young person leaving care that someone will always be there for them.

Highly Commended: Eli Lubasu, Bright Life Living

Bright Life Living demonstrates the power of belief and encouragement. Through their support, Eli was inspired to pursue an apprenticeship, work hard, and build a bright future. His determination and achievements represent a truly inspiring journey of growth and resilience.

The Support Worker Award (North)
 Winner: Victor Ojeawere, First4Care

Victor is genuinely child-centred, always prioritising the needs, feelings, and aspirations of young people. His patience, compassion, and consistency create a safe, nurturing environment where children feel valued and understood. A remarkable support worker, Victor is a true credit to the children he cares for every day.

Highly Commended: Charlotte Ward, ISW Care Ltd

Charlotte’s warmth and dedication shine in all she does. Her child-focused approach ensures each young person feels seen, heard, and supported. Through genuine care and commitment, she builds trust, nurtures growth, and makes a positive difference daily, serving as a true inspiration to the children in her care.

The Support Worker Award (South)
 Winner: Maurice Barr (Doddy), Thrive Support Services

Maurice “Doddy” Barr exemplifies dedication, patience, and professionalism. He builds trust with young people, supports their recovery, and strengthens family bonds. Through unwavering commitment, he transforms lives, demonstrating that care and consistency can inspire resilience. Doddy’s impact is profound, making him an outstanding role model in the care profession.

Highly Commended: Daniel Joyce, Cambian Group

Daniel’s enthusiasm and dedication to high-quality care are exceptional. He consistently goes above and beyond to support young people, often putting their needs first. Loved by the children, he excels as a PBS practitioner, helping the home maintain its outstanding rating through his commitment, professionalism, and selfless approach.

The Support Worker Award (Central)
 Winner: Hollie Meddings, Blythe House, Forge Care

Hollie is a dedicated, compassionate support worker committed to empowering children. Through her kindness, approachability, and mental health expertise, she nurtures young people, helping them find their voice, build confidence, and thrive, leaving a lasting, transformative impact on every life she supports.

Highly Commended: Remmi Shaikh, AMMA Childcare Services Ltd

Remmi brings therapeutic insight, trauma expertise, and innovative care to residential children. With empathy, honesty, and dedication, she helps young people build trust, overcome challenges, and ensures every child feels understood, supported, and empowered to thrive in all aspects of life.

The Children’s Home Manager Award (North)
 Winner: Lauri Dale, Compass Children’s Homes

Lauri is a reflective manager who nurtures her team to deliver personalised care. She creates an open culture and a happy, supportive environment. Through contextual training, she ensures young people thrive while staff develop their skills. This approach fosters growth, confidence, and a positive, caring atmosphere.

Highly Commended: Vicky Berry, Culina Roc

Vicky is an innovative Registered Manager who has developed bespoke care packages to support young children and their families in reuniting. She equips her staff with cutting-edge training and AI-driven resources, ensuring high-quality, personalised care and positive outcomes for every child and family she supports.

The Children’s Home Manager Award (South)
 Winner: Liam McDermott, Montage Services

Liam demonstrates exceptional leadership, providing safety, stability, and consistency for vulnerable children. A true advocate for young people and champion for his staff, he fosters a culture of resilience and therapeutic reflection, ensuring opportunities are maximised and outcomes continually improve. “There is no limit in belief.”

Highly Commended: Audrey Noden, Capital Children’s Care

Audrey’s love, care, and energy for the children in her home are evident in everything she does. She fosters a strong family ethos, creating a nurturing culture that ensures every child feels valued, supported, and part of a warm, inclusive home environment.

Highly Commended: Yasin Zhaman and Shabina Udhin, Evoke Care

Yasin and Shubina lead with dedication, focusing on improving outcomes for young people. They embrace technological, therapeutic, and creative approaches, ensuring innovative, effective support that empowers young people to thrive and achieve their full potential.

The Children’s Home Manager Award (Central)
 Winner: Kieran Maddison, Forge Care

Kieran embodies his role as Registered Manager, leading a home built on love, high expectations, and outstanding care. He supports a challenging sibling group of four girls, earning their trust and appreciation, while fostering a positive, nurturing environment alongside his dedicated staff team.

Highly Commended: Jessica Hale, Bright Life Living

Jess is a passionate, child-focused Manager whose infectious enthusiasm and dedication drive positive outcomes. Her commitment and love for her vocation truly transform lives, making a lasting difference to the young people she supports every day.

The Frontline Leader Award
 Winner: Olivia Parker, 3s Adolescent Care

We need more Olivia’s in the sector! Her drive, passion, and commitment to her team and those in her care are infectious. A natural leader, even early in her career, she consistently puts the service user first, making her an outstanding and inspiring winner.

Highly Commended: Joseph Cole, Acclacia Care

Joseph’s leadership, driven by accountability, consistency, and calmness, empowers his team and those in his care to grow. His mantra—“learn to respect yourself and then others”—reflects why over 37 years of dedication have earned him this well-deserved recognition.

The Registered Service Manager Award (Supported Accommodation)
 Winner: Louise Bourne, St Basils

Louise is a dedicated and passionate leader in supported accommodation, focusing on quality care and innovative compliance. She models high standards for her team, who are supported through collaborative, strengths-based approaches. St Basils’ recent inspection in March achieved Outcome 1—well done to Louise and her team!

Highly Commended: Phil Glover, Inicio Group

Phil is an exceptional Registered Service Manager whose leadership transforms lives. He embeds regulations into culture, supports staff at all levels, and champions young people’s voices. His child-centred, values-driven approach ensures stability, wellbeing, and positive outcomes, making him a compassionate advocate and inspiring leader in supported accommodation.

Highly Commended: Kirsty Gower, Forward Footsteps

Kirsty is an inspiring Service Manager whose passion, vision, and drive for excellence empower her team to deliver consistently high-quality care. Her leadership fosters a positive, motivated, and supportive environment, making the service an exceptional place to work and ensuring outstanding outcomes for those in her care.

The Senior Manager Award
 Winner: Samantha Walshaw, Wakefield Council

Samantha wins 1st place for her transformative leadership and 18 years of unwavering dedication. She inspires teams, creates nurturing, family-like environments, and restructures homes for better outcomes. A previous award winner and MBE nominee, her commitment continues to positively impact the lives of children and young people.

Highly Commended: Charlotte Williams, Elysian

Charlotte wins second place for her dedication to children with special educational needs. She has developed a specialised approach, combining PACE with animal therapy, now nationally recognised. Her passion, innovation, and impact continue to inspire and drive positive change for children, young people, and families.

The Children’s Home Team Award (North)
 Winner: House O’th Hill Staff Team, Holden Knight Healthcare Temp Ltd

This team rebuilds connections and helps individuals achieve lifelong goals. Focusing on reducing support needs and promoting positive behaviours, they create new opportunities. Their collaborative approach transforms aspirations into reality, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment, progress, and meaningful impact.

Highly Commended: Team Orchid, Better Futures Care

This team, built on honesty, trust, and respect, embraces diversity and celebrates cultures. United by shared values, they transform challenges into opportunities, achieving remarkable results. Their integrity, inclusion, and collaboration drive innovation, impact, and success beyond expectations.

The Children’s Home Team Award (South)
 Winner: Brookland Team, The Bristol Care Group

What a team—their passion truly shines through. The way they explained the support they provide and how they have overcome adversity was commendable. It was an absolute joy to hear about this wonderful team, and hearing firsthand from a young person about their achievements was the cherry on top of the day.

Highly Commended: Acacia House Children’s Home, Silver Birch Care (Residential Services) Ltd

This outstanding team has earned high recognition for their dedication, care, and creativity. Their seamless teamwork and unwavering passion create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired. Their commitment goes above and beyond, making a lasting, positive impact every day.

The Children’s Home Team Award (Central)
 Winner: Wendi Grizzle & Team, AMMA Childcare Services Ltd

Wendi Grizzle and her team create nurturing, child-centred homes rooted in therapeutic care. They foster creativity, independence, and resilience, cultivating a culture of listening, innovation, and family warmth. Their dedication drives remarkable progress for young people, consistently delivering outstanding outcomes.

Highly Commended: Doug Harrison, Blue Mountain Homes

Doug Harrison and Toll House offer a stable, family-like home where children feel safe, valued, and supported. Through teamwork, consistent care, and open communication, staff celebrate achievements and adapt to challenges. Their dedication creates a nurturing environment where young people can thrive, grow, and succeed.

Highly Commended: Serenity House, Forte Care

Serenity House shows remarkable dedication and resilience. When a young person arrived in crisis, the team’s support and communication helped them thrive. Through continuous improvement, teamwork, and passion, staff consistently deliver outstanding, life-changing experiences, making a lasting difference in every child’s life.

The Foster Carer Award
 Winner: Amanda and David Eyeington, Polaris Community

Amanda and David go above and beyond, supporting young people while guiding them in gentle parenting for their own children. They ensure the foster child is nurtured and cared for, dedicating time, love, and passion that clearly impacts every child in their care.

Highly Commended: Vanessa Austin, Polaris Community

Speaking with Vanessa highlighted her patience, deep understanding, and ability to create a sense of security for young people. Her experience and knowledge of the importance of “being alongside” each child is evident, demonstrating a compassionate, supportive approach that positively impacts every young person in her care.

The Fostering and Adoption Award
 Winner: The Team, Families First Fostering Ltd

This family-run agency embodies the true spirit of fostering. Their child-led, therapeutic approach places young people at the heart of every decision, while supporting foster carers like family. With outstanding outcomes, exceptional care, and a warm, nurturing culture, they set a benchmark for excellence in fostering.

Highly Commended: The Foster Hub Team, Wakefield Council

This innovative Foster Hub in Wakefield is already making a real difference. With a trauma-informed, love-led approach, they prioritise transparency, stickability, and strong relationships, helping even the most challenging young people thrive. Their dedication and vision showcase the future of fostering and the impact it can achieve.

The Biggest Impact Award (Individual)
 Winner: Samuel Neath, Wolverhampton City Council

Sam’s dedication and passion for improving the lives of children in care through sport is exceptional. He inspires, motivates, and creates life-changing opportunities on a national scale.

Highly Commended: Michael Snape, Emplace Care

Michael is an extraordinary advocate for young people, transforming lives through his commitment, care, and guidance. His work empowers children to overcome challenges and thrive in every aspect of life.

The Biggest Impact Award (Team)
 Winner: The Team, Thrive Support Services Ltd

Alicia and her team lead with passion, hope, and unwavering positivity. As RM of a specialist service supporting children under DoLS orders, they create a safe, playful environment where children feel heard, valued, and supported. Their dedication transforms trauma into growth, leaving a lasting, life-changing impact.

Highly Commended: The Team, With Youth in Mind

Caroline’s passion is undeniable. Through WYIM, she has helped over 750 children overcome trauma and thrive. Her dedication goes beyond a job—it’s a mission, empowering young people to grow, heal, and become the best versions of themselves, leaving a lasting, transformative impact on every life she touches.

Highly Commended: Sycamore House, Accalia Care

Chelsea and her dedicated team have built a family-like environment across four homes, transforming young lives. Previously disengaged children are now thriving, reconnecting with education, and pursuing goals like joining the police cadets. Chelsea’s passion, care, and commitment have created safety, trust, and remarkable social growth in every young person.

The Safeguarding of Children Award
 Winner: Jess Mitchell & Team, Homes2Inspire

Jess is a passionate manager who consistently strives for the best outcomes for the children in her care. She balances safety with opportunities for growth, using children’s views, wishes, and feelings as learning experiences, ensuring they can explore, make mistakes, and develop in a supportive, nurturing environment.

Highly Commended: Sandra Potter, Cafcass

Sandra demonstrates exceptional knowledge and commitment to safeguarding children. Her passion and dedication to her role within Cafcass are evident, and she consistently makes a meaningful impact on the lives of the children she supports.

The Children with Disabilities Award
 Winner: Wakefield Awareness and Support Project, Kids Charity

Shelly and Melissa have shown how two passionate individuals can transform the lives of hundreds. Their heartwarming dedication ensures children and families are always at the centre of their work, making a real, lasting difference. They are truly deserving of this award.

Highly Commended: Alexandra House Team, Lancashire County Council

Achieving 15 back-to-back Ofsted Outstanding ratings is remarkable, but what stands out even more is the heartfelt impact on parents and the glowing feedback from professionals. This team’s dedication and hard work deserve recognition for the lasting difference they make every day.

The Workforce Development Award
 Winner: Kiran Khan, Insight Care Group
 Kiran has demonstrated exceptional dedication to developing a skilled and compassionate workforce in the children’s residential sector. Her leadership in training, mentoring, and staff wellbeing has had a lasting impact, raising care standards, empowering teams, and ensuring children and young people receive the consistent, high-quality support they deserve.

Highly Commended: Lewis Dixons, New Horizons
 Lewis has shown outstanding commitment to workforce development through his dedication to high-quality training in the children’s residential sector. He has played a key role in designing and delivering impactful learning opportunities, helping staff build skills and confidence to provide exceptional care for children and young people.

The Wellbeing Award
 Winner: Laura Earnshaw, My Happy Mind

My Happy Mind, led by Laura Earnshaw, is an NHS-backed wellbeing programme in 2,000+ schools, benefiting around a million children. It builds resilience, emotional literacy, and self-esteem, including tailored support for neurodiverse pupils.

Highly Commended: Ashbrooke School, Witherslack Group

Ashbrooke School, led by Clare Read, is a SEMH school supporting 26 children aged 5–19 who have struggled in mainstream education. With a focus on wellbeing, personalised support, and holistic care, the school transforms lives—helping pupils overcome trauma, achieve qualifications, engage socially, and access long-term pathways while involving families and the community.

The Partnership Working Award
 Winner: Margaret Conway, Coventry City Council

Margaret consistently demonstrates accountability, transparency, and a solution-focused mindset in her cross-agency work. She fosters collaboration, shares responsibility for outcomes, and applies resilience and determination to overcome obstacles, achieving meaningful, positive results for the individuals and communities she supports.

Highly Commended: Young Carers Team, South Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership

The Young Carers Team demonstrate how innovative thinking and compassion can support a silent minority—young carers—who give up basic childhood experiences to care for others. Through their work, they provide the physical, emotional, and developmental support these children need, helping them thrive despite early responsibilities.

The Children’s Champion Award
 Winner: Piotr Dembowski, Salutem Care and Education

Piotr is a committed Registered Manager in children’s residential care, supporting young people with learning difficulties and trauma. He champions their voices, advocates for their needs, and builds trusting relationships. His compassionate leadership creates a safe, nurturing environment where children feel valued, heard, and empowered to thrive.

Highly Commended: Kate Bunn, Solace for Children

Kate has devoted her career to residential care, always putting children first. She tirelessly advocates for their wishes and best interests, challenging barriers to their wellbeing. Her unwavering support has given countless children the opportunity to thrive, ensuring they leave her care with a stronger foundation for future success.

The Children and Families Social Worker Award
 Winner: Andrea Barragan, Gateshead Children’s Services

Andrea consistently demonstrates passion and strong advocacy for children and families. She introduces innovative approaches to achieve the best outcomes, combining high standards, creativity, and dedication to safeguarding. Her forward-thinking, inspiring practice delivers meaningful, lasting impact, making her a standout professional in the field.

Highly Commended: Rhianna Gallagher, City of York Council

Rhianna brings her personal experiences into her social work practice. This insight informs her empathetic, informed approach, enabling her to connect deeply with the children and families she supports while delivering thoughtful, impactful, and compassionate care.

The Supported Accommodation Award
 Winner: Aimie Wolohan, Believe and Achieve Support Limited

Aimie shows exceptional passion and commitment to young people, prioritising education, independence, and wellbeing. Their innovative use of sports, accredited training, and engaging strategies highlights dedication to listening to young voices and maintaining high standards, creating meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of those they support.

Highly Commended: Janelle Brindle, NASAP

Janelle Brindle, National Lead for NASAP, has made a significant impact on the supported accommodation sector. By fostering collaboration among Ofsted, the Department for Education, local authorities, and providers, she elevates standards of care nationwide through training, guidance, and leadership, ensuring young people receive consistently high-quality support.

Highly Commended: Busie Msipa, Cheery Blossom Supported Living Ltd

Busie Msipa exemplifies outstanding leadership as Director and Nominated Individual, earning Ofsted Outcome 1. Her dedication to staff development, trauma-informed practice, and initiatives like “Stop the Clock” ensures a nurturing environment. By prioritising independence, education, and positive relationships, she empowers young people to grow, succeed, and reach their full potential.

The Young Carer Award
 Winner: Ashlea O’Hara, Vibe Expert Youth Work

Ashlea O’Hara’s journey with Vibe UK exemplifies resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of lived experience. From young carer to youth worker, she has inspired, mentored, and advocated for others, empowering young carers, raising their voices, and creating lasting impact.

Highly Commended: Wee Carers, South Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership

The young carers behind Take Care of You have shown extraordinary courage, commitment, and creativity. Balancing school and caring responsibilities, they wrote, starred in, and promoted a powerful short film that raises awareness, reduces stigma, and influences policy.

The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care
 Winner: Adam Wells, Forge Care

Adam has spent 20 years transforming children’s lives, leading with honesty, kindness, and humour. At Forge Care, he revitalised the service, ensuring every child engages in education. With a belief in young people, he fosters thriving futures, nurtures staff development, and leads with heart, humility, and enduring impact.

Highly Commended: Tim Clare, T-Junction Children’s Services Ltd

Tim Clare has devoted his career to transforming children’s lives. As founder of T-junction, he leads with passion, embedding therapeutic care across four homes. From advocacy in parliament to hands-on staff training, Tim champions recognition, resilience, and opportunity, leaving a legacy of compassionate leadership and lasting positive impact.

The Lifetime Achievement Award
 Winner: Julie Cole, Lancashire County Council

Julie’s career in children’s social care exemplifies dedication, passion, and unwavering advocacy for children and young people. Her commitment to achieving the best outcomes, supporting families, and inspiring colleagues has left a lasting impact on the sector. Julie sets the standard for excellence and is a true inspiration to all.