Frequently Asked Questions

We support young people up to the age of 18 who are experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) and mental health related challenges, offering warm, safe and therapeutic living environments tailored to their needs.

We operate a number of homes across the East Midlands, each offering a small, nurturing setting for up to three children, with multiple spaces for recreation, one-to-one work and on-site staff accommodation.

Referrals can be made by contacting our team directly on 0115 841 7267 or by emailing [email protected]. We'll work with you to understand the young person's needs and find the right home for them.

Alongside day-to-day care, young people benefit from tailored therapeutic plans, access to our in-house psychology service, and support with life skills, education and building positive relationships, helping them prepare for adulthood and independent living.

Swallow Grange is our specialist Independent Special School in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, supporting pupils with SEND and SEMH needs to thrive in a nurturing, therapeutic learning environment.

Swallow Grange welcomes pupils with special educational needs and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs who benefit from a small, supportive setting built around empathy, respect and an understanding of each pupil's individual challenges.

For more information about admissions, our curriculum, or to arrange a visit, contact the Swallow Grange team on 01472 514651 or email [email protected].

Our in-house psychology service offers robust baseline psychological assessments, tailored therapeutic plans, group programmes and ongoing psychological support for both young people and staff, helping every young person cope with past trauma and build resilience.

Yes. Our children's homes and Swallow Grange are registered and inspected by Ofsted. You can find our latest inspection reports on our Ofsted Reports page.

We recruit across residential care (Residential Care Worker and Senior Residential Care Worker) and education at Swallow Grange (Specialist SEND Class Teacher and SEND Teaching Assistant), alongside a range of support and office-based roles.

We provide the training, education and resources you need to carry out your role safely and to the best of your ability, along with regular one-to-one, group and clinical supervision, development opportunities, and support to help you achieve your career goals and aspirations.

Salaries are competitive and depend on the role and your experience. For example, our Residential Care Worker roles pay up to £34,070.40 per year and Senior Residential Care Worker roles pay up to £37,190.40 per year, with specific rates confirmed on each vacancy.

Our care roles are based across our homes in Nottinghamshire, and our education roles are based at Swallow Grange in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.

You can view our current vacancies and apply on our Careers page, or email [email protected] for more information about working at Footsteps To Futures.

Fact: Most children enter care because of abuse, neglect, trauma, or family breakdown — not because of bad behaviour.

Fact: Modern residential care is small, nurturing, therapeutic, and centred on each child's wellbeing.

Fact: Challenging behaviour is often a form of communication and may reflect unmet needs, stress, or trauma.

Fact: Residential care actively builds independence through daily life-skills learning, guidance, and support.

Fact: Trust is built through clear, consistent boundaries that create safety, predictability, and support.

Fact: Refusing support can reflect fear, trauma, or uncertainty; consistent support helps young people engage when they are ready.

Fact: Residential care provides stability, support, life skills, and opportunities for growth and development.

Fact: Safeguarding is everyday practice — creating safe environments, listening to young people, and responding to concerns.

Fact: Consistency means responding with the same values and expectations while adapting support to individual needs.

Fact: Playfulness can reduce anxiety, build trust, and strengthen connections while remaining professional.

Fact: With the right support, Christmas can become a time of warmth, belonging, and positive memories for children in care.