Rockhopper Children's Services

Welcome to Rockhopper Children’s Services

Small but mighty caregivers. Built on resilience and unwavering care.

At Rockhopper Children’s Services, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and empowered to shape their own future. Inspired by the bold and resilient rockhopper penguin, our homes are places of belonging, healing, and growth—where children can thrive in a nurturing, therapeutic environment.

Who We Are

Rockhopper Children’s Services is a specialist provider of therapeutic residential care for children and young people. Our six homes across the UK are safe, stable, and supportive spaces, each rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Previously part of the Kedleston Group, we now stand proudly with our own identity—driven by a singular mission:

To empower children to form their future.

Why Rockhopper?

Like the rockhopper penguin—small but mighty, fiercely protective, and deeply bonded—we are:

• Bold in our belief in every child’s potential
• Determined to provide unwavering care
• Protective of the children we support
• Resilient in the face of challenges

Our homes are led by experienced care professionals and supported by a dedicated governance structure, ensuring the highest standards of care and continuous improvement.

Our Foundations

Everything we do is built on four core values:
🧡 Belonging
We create homes where children feel safe, accepted, and part of a community.
💙 Unwavering Care
Our teams are consistent, compassionate, and always present—no matter what.
💫 Limitless Potential
We believe in every child’s ability to grow, achieve, and flourish.
🤝 Leading with Integrity

We act with honesty, transparency, and purpose in all we do.

Our Journey

Kedleston Group began nearly 20 years ago as a specialist education provider. As the organisation evolved, we introduced standalone care settings to meet the growing need for dedicated, therapeutic homes. Now, with plans to grow organically and open new homes in areas of greatest need, Rockhopper Children’s Services is ready to lead the way in residential care.

This is more than a name change, it’s a strategic step forward. As education and care become increasingly distinct, our focused approach allows us to remove barriers, inspire dreams, and ensure every child has the foundation they need to thrive.

Still Part of the Family
While we now operate independently, Rockhopper remains part of the Kedleston family. We share the same commitment to excellence, innovation, and child-centred care—now with a dedicated focus on residential services.

Join Us on the Journey
Whether you're a professional looking to make a referral, a parent seeking support, or someone passionate about making a difference in children’s lives - Rockhopper is here for you.

👉 Learn more about our homes
👉 Make a referral
👉 Join our team

Where Every Child Belongs

This is an exciting new chapter. At Rockhopper Children’s Services, we are proud to offer homes where children are seen, heard, and supported—just like the rockhopper penguin in its tight-knit, protective community.

Welcome to Rockhopper. Where resilience meets care, and every child has the chance to soar.