Reflecting on Our Journey to Opening Coral House: The Road to Our 8th Children’s Home

By Narinder Singh, Director, Stepping Stones Care

 When we opened our first children’s home at Stepping Stones Care, I never imagined we’d one day be opening our eighth, Coral House. Reflecting on the journey, it’s humbling to think about how far we’ve come and hopefully some of the lives we have touched. Every home we open is a reflection of the commitment, hard work, and unwavering dedication of our team, and it’s clear that each home has its unique journey—filled with both expected and surprising challenges. At Stepping Stones Care, we believe that from day one, our homes should be good enough for any one of us to call home.

Opening a children’s home, especially a new one, is never as simple as finding a building, furnishing it, and hiring a team. The process is layered, involving planning, the challenges that come with Ofsted, team-building, and an immense amount of preparation. For every home, there are challenges that push us to be better, to think differently, and to keep our mission firmly in sight: providing a safe, supportive environment where young people can thrive.

The Planning Process: More Than a Blueprint

For each home we open, we start with a vision, but turning that vision into reality takes time, patience, and detailed planning. Before Coral House became what it is today, it was an idea, one that required months of careful preparation. From assessing the community to securing funding, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes.

One of the biggest challenges is navigating the regulatory process. For good reason, children's homes are tightly regulated. But that means we often spend months working through applications, inspections, and safety checks. These steps, while essential, can be challenging, especially when each stage requires precise documentation and frequent inspections to ensure we meet the highest standards.

Then comes the task of designing the space itself. We don’t just want a building; we want a home. Every room, piece of furniture, and design element must make our young residents feel safe, valued, and comfortable. It’s about creating an environment that encourages them to grow and thrive, often in ways they haven’t had the chance to experience before. Each small detail, down to the colours on the walls and the layout of the garden, is chosen with intention. It’s rewarding to see it come together, but it’s a long road.

Building the Team: A Balancing Act

One of the unique challenges in this process is hiring a team long before the doors of the new home can actually open. To ensure we’re ready to support our young residents from day one, we begin recruiting several months in advance. Finding the right people—those who not only have the qualifications but also the empathy, resilience, and dedication for this work—is a meticulous process.

We look for individuals who understand that working in a children’s home isn’t just a job; it’s more than that, do they really care. And while we’re thrilled when we find the right people, there’s an added challenge: keeping them engaged during the waiting period. Our team members sometimes have to wait weeks or even months before the home is ready, and during this time, we provide training, support, and team-building activities to ensure they’re fully prepared for the journey ahead.

Unexpected Challenges Along the Way

Every home we open brings with it unforeseen challenges. With Coral House, we encountered delays in construction, unexpected regulatory requirements, and even hurdles in sourcing the furniture.

One unexpected challenge we’ve faced over the years is the emotional weight that comes with the work. Creating a space for children who have faced hardship and trauma is rewarding but can also be overwhelming. Watching our staff experience those same emotions has reinforced the importance of mental health support within our team. We encourage open conversations, provide counselling resources, and build a culture of support that allows us to better serve our children.

The Reward: Seeing Lives Changed

After all the planning, challenges, and hard work, the most rewarding part is seeing our young residents walk through the doors of their new home. Watching them settle into Coral House, seeing their smiles, and hearing their laughter brings everything into perspective. Each home is an opportunity to help these young people rediscover hope, security, and the feeling of belonging.

Opening Coral House has reminded me of why we started Stepping Stones Care in the first place. Each child we care for has the potential to grow, to heal, and to build a brighter future. And as challenging as this journey can be, the impact we’re making in their lives makes every obstacle worthwhile.

Looking Forward

With Coral House now open, we are excited to continue this journey, always learning and improving as we go. Each home brings new lessons, and each young person teaches us something invaluable. I am grateful to our team and everyone who has been part of this journey with us.

As we look forward to the future, I am filled with optimism and determination. We’ll continue to open more homes and provide safe, loving environments for every child who comes into our care. Opening a children’s home is never easy, but the reward—the knowledge that we are changing lives—is the greatest gift I could ask for.

Thank you for being part of our journey at Stepping Stones Care. Here’s to many more homes, many more children, and a brighter future for all.