Northumberland’s new children’s home is a step closer to opening following a successful recruitment drive that has been recognised with a national excellence award. 
 

Now the team are looking to expand further – in preparation for opening six more smaller homes across the county. 
 

Pegsworth House in Pegswood is a purpose-built children’s residential home for four young people. 
 

It is part of Northumberland County Council’s commitment to making sure all young people in the county can grow up in safe and loving homes as close to their communities as possible.  
 

To attract the best applicants with the right mix of skills and personalities, the council launched a recruitment drive to shine a spotlight on the often-misunderstood reality of everyday family life in a children’s home. 
 

The myth-busting campaign aimed to reach out to people passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people, emphasising it was personality more than experience that was the most important – as all training is provided.  
 

It also aimed to answer any questions the local community may have about the new home and an open day took place, where people could call in and talk to members of the team.  
 

All posts were filled, and the new team are now receiving training in the council’s other children’s homes. Once the home’s Ofsted registration is complete, the children will start to move in.  
 

The myth-busting approach, along with other innovative ways to widen the reach to attract the right candidates, was recgonised with a national industry award. It was named the Best Creative Concept Recruitment Campaign at the Excellence in People Management Awards 2024. 
 

Organised by the Public Services People Managers Association, the awards strive to enhance, promote and raise the standards of people management and organisation development within public services.   
 

Judges described it as a “Fantastic example of a campaign to showcase the valuable work in residential social care settings, demystifying the roles, giving great insight to prospective candidates.” 
 

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Inspiring Young People, said: “Our children’s homes play a vital role in caring for some of our most vulnerable young people, creating a family environment full of warmth, love and laughter.  
 

“We’re investing in opening new homes, so that more young people can get the best care for them here in Northumberland.
 

“Our new recruits bring with them a brilliant mix of skills, talents and life experience and we’re delighted to welcome them on board. 
 

“This recruitment campaign captured the passion, drive and commitment our teams show every day to making a difference to the lives of our young people.  
 

“Everyone involved went above and beyond to shine a light on the life-changing rewards of working in what can be a challenging role, pulling out all the stops to make sure we give our young people the best care possible.” 
 

Among the new starters is Chris Cooke. A former apprentice joiner, Chris had never considered a career in children’s social care until he started talking to the team at a jobs fair.  
 

He said: “I went to a jobs fair looking for an apprenticeship, probably in a trade, but after hearing more about the role, it started to sound exactly right for me.  
 

“No two days will be the same and you’re making a difference - that’s what attracted me the most. You’ll also be out and about doing activities with the young people. 
 

“When I was younger, I enjoyed MCing, DJing and I volunteered in a youth club where I taught young children how to DJ and MC, so I hope I can bring some of that experience to the job too. 
 

“There’s lots of different training and qualifications available so I feel like there are real career opportunities.  
 

“I’ve moved to Northumberland too so I can be closer to work. I’ve really enjoyed it so far and feel like everything has fallen into place.” 
 

The council now has plans to open six further children’s homes. These will be smaller homes that offer solo placements for older young people, helping them on their journey to independence.  
 

The team are also recruiting for a pool of people interested in temporary assignments and short-notice opportunities which can provide flexible options for those looking to get their foot in the door, gain valuable experience, or build a great reputation through continued assignments.