NCHN Autumn Conference 2026
11th November 202610:00 - 16:00
The Northern Children’s Homes Network (NCHN) Autumn Conference 2026 brings together inspection themes, practical workshops and sector updates, with time to connect with colleagues at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens.
The day’s programme
Speakers and sessions
Meet the people leading the day’s talks, conversations and practical workshops.
Steve Percival
10:00
Steve Percival
10:00 · Learning from 100+ inspections
Steve will present a review of inspection themes and trends from over 100 inspection reports, identifying key areas of focus for registered managers, responsible individuals and registered providers.
Lisa Brett
10:30 & 12:00
Lisa Brett
10:30 · Social work placements | 12:00 · Facilitated networking
Lisa will explore the role of student social workers in children’s homes, as part of their year 3 100-day placement. Can qualified social workers, with strong experience of children’s residential care, become a key element of our workforce development?
Over lunch, Lisa will share ‘SeeMe.HearMe.KnowMe.’, her model of workshops and tools which has featured in SAGE International Social Work Series video tutorials and on Early Years TV.
Claire Atkinson
Michelle Nicholson
11:00 & 15:00
Claire Atkinson and Michelle Nicholson
11:00 and 15:00 · Monitoring and oversight
Claire and Michelle will lead workshops on monitoring and oversight, exploring an area that is a regular theme in requirements and recommendations, and will discuss practical strategies and tools to help ensure that leadership can be evidenced clearly.
Jacqui McCann
13:00
Jacqui McCann
13:00 · Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
How can we improve practice for children who are deprived of their liberty? Jacqui, an independent trainer and consultant with over 20 years’ experience in residential children’s services, will explore the national picture, legal developments and available support. Drawing on her ongoing doctoral research, Jacqui will consider how language and recording shape children’s experiences and share practical approaches to better meeting their needs.
Barbara Cunningham
14:00
Barbara Cunningham
14:00 · Opt-out advocacy
Barbara, Head of Regulatory Services at NYAS and a registered nurse, will discuss a pilot she’s been asked to develop by the Department for Education to explore ‘opt-out’ advocacy for children in residential care. The session will reflect on why being listened to matters and what can stop children from seeking support, including difficulties building trust. We’ll discuss how an opt-out approach could help, how it could work alongside existing services and what regional commissioning could mean for children.
Book your place
Join us for a day of learning, development and shared community with the NCHN.