We’ve been working to support children in care and advocate for an improvement
Since opening our first children’s home, Treehouse, in 2022, we’ve seen just how powerful a stable, nurturing and relationship-based environment can be for children. Social pedagogy, a model that places relationships and shared experiences at the centre of care, underpins our approach. Our team brings this to life every day by creating a home where children feel safe and supported.
Alongside our work in the home, we’re committed to strengthening the residential care sector as a whole. From developing new training and qualifications for practitioners, to partnering with local authorities and organisations across the country, we’re sharing what we’ve learnt so that more children can experience consistent, high-quality care built on trust and connection.
Our impact report highlights our progress and insights from our journey so far.
“I like the way people treat me here. When things go wrong or I do something I know I shouldn’t, the adults help me. They help me to learn.”
3 architecture awards
were given to the thoughtful and sustainable design of
our first home – Treehouse.
Most our of children are with us for longer than the national average of 1.4 years.
The child who has lived with us the longest so far has been at Treehouse for over three years, since the home first opening in early 2022.
Our 12-month staff retention rate is 94%
which is vastly better than the sector average.
2 of our children
have successfully transitioned back to their family home.
Our UK-first, groundbreaking
degree-level qualification
in residential childcare will launch in January 2026.
We have collaborated with
18 local authorities
as well as over 30 other organisations, working to improve the lives of children in care across the UK.
I’m proud of my room… And I’m proud of how well I’m looking after my plant!”
Asher
The redecoration project became a great opportunity for learning. Asher picked up DIY and home maintenance skills like painting, measuring, drilling, and assembling furniture. He even chose a houseplant, which he now cares for – a small but meaningful symbol of pride in his space.
Asher was able to use decorating his room as a way to connect with others, and forge stronger bonds. In one particular example, after a difficult day, Asher invited a member of staff into his space to work on some finishing touches. That evening gave them the opportunity to reconnect after a disagreement as they worked on the room together, a quiet moment of rebuilding trust through shared purpose.
From start to finish, Asher was empowered to take the lead in decorating his room. He showed consistent commitment throughout, made key decisions and took ownership at every step. The boost to his self-esteem and wellbeing is clear in how he has continued to carefully maintain his space, taking pride in keeping it tidy and welcoming.
With GCSEs approaching, Harvey shared with several adults at Treehouse that he was anxious he would fail, having missed out on so much education. But the adults believed in him. Together they planned an intervention week to provide tailored support and help him re-engage on his own terms.
The plan for the week was to support Harvey to complete revision and confidence-boosting activities in the home every morning before going to school. During the week, Harvey applied to three different college courses and attended an English twilight session at school. He engaged with his school-appointed transition coach, his family outreach worker and a PE teacher. This combination of academic and emotional support gave Harvey a sense of momentum and reassurance. He wasn’t in it alone.
The results spoke for themselves. Not only did Harvey sit all his GCSE exams, but he also attended multiple interviews at post-16 colleges and received a range of conditional offers – an excellent achievement. During this week, Harvey also experienced a powerful shift in mindset. Though he didn’t quite make it into school every day, his attitude towards school was noticeably more positive.
After attending the English twilight session, he said he genuinely felt more confident that he could do well in his exams. His teachers echoed this positivity, calling Treehouse to praise his efforts and encouraging him to attend more regularly. Throughout the week, Harvey received well-deserved praise and recognition for his hard work. After such determination and commitment, it meant a lot to him that his efforts were recognised.
It was clear in the weeks following this intensive support that it had left a lasting impact on Harvey. He continued to attend college open days and was beginning to believe in his future.
Our son has settled in at Treehouse much quicker and better than we had anticipated. His mum and I had been worried about him moving, but his transition has gone well. The staff are amazing, we can’t fault them, and they are providing for his needs.
My overall experience with Treehouse was amazing. As much as my child wanted to come home, he was also very sad to leave. He has built incredible, lifelong bonds and friendships with the staff. He considered himself lucky to be in care, something you wouldn’t normally hear a child say. Even some of his friends wished they could have stayed there, which is a true testament to how well Treehouse is run. I can’t thank everyone at Treehouse enough for all their support from start to finish – not only for [my child] but also for the support I received myself, which enabled us to continue as a family. I am so grateful to have been so involved in his life. We would not be where we are today, reunited as a family, without the love and care from Treehouse.
A parent of a child who used to live at Treehouse
Looking back, Treehouse really supported me with my education. They encouraged me to wake up on time, helped me get on a college course, and made sure I understood all the options available to me.
Child who used to live at Treehouse
Treehouse kind of saved my life. [It] gave me security when I needed it the most and we got moved here during a very difficult time of our lives.
Child living at Treehouse
I like the way people treat me here. When things go wrong or I do something I know I shouldn’t, the adults help me. They help me to learn.
Child living at Treehouse
Our children deserve nothing but the best, regardless of their circumstances in life, and they will receive nothing but the best at our home.
Martin, Manager at Treehouse
I think that the way management take our studying into account has been amazing – we get extra study time before a deadline, which means we can protect our free time for rest, which is productive.
Tamara, Team Leader at Treehouse
Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust (LPT) have funded and supported me to obtain a Foundation Degree qualification in therapeutic work with young people. I learnt a lot about the robust evidence underpinning the practical activities we do with children.
Craig, Senior Social Pedagogy Practitioner at Treehouse
Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust and Kingston University have shown such great leadership and partnership working in this space. Whilst there are many talented residential care practitioners amongst the 46,000 in England, we somehow have to systematise that individual brilliance, and the launch of this social pedagogy course could be the great beginning of that.
Isabelle Trowler CBE, Chief Social Worker
Emmanuel has a unique ability to attract people to his team who share his passion and commitment to demonstrate that a different way is possible, as well as those with the expertise to deliver the vision.
Jessamy Gould, Grants Director, Treebeard Trust
[Treehouse] is a unique brilliant children’s home – with care and consideration in every detail.
Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner
This is a highly intelligent and considered response to a very complex and sensitive brief. Conrad Koslowsky Architects and Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust are to be commended for their close collaboration, holistic approach, and the exceptional results that have been delivered as a result.”
Muyiwa Oki, President, Royal Institute of British Architects
Setting up new residential homes for children in care which provide love, joy and brilliant care is no easy job! LPT provided Capacity with valuable insight and support which helped setup Juno’s first residential home! Thank you, LPT!
Chris Catterall, Chief Executive, Capacity
For the full LPT story and our latest impact data, download our Impact Report.
To learn what we have been up to over the years, read our Annual Reviews.
