Providing quality children's care and support services
Footsteps to Futures is an independent residential care, support and education provider specialising in services for children and young people across the East Midlands.
My name is Donna Francis, and I am proud to be the Managing Director of Footsteps to Futures.
Working with children and young people has always been a vocation for me, driven by a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have faced adversity. Seeing them grow in confidence and realise their potential inspires me every day.
Having started as a care worker and progressed through operational and leadership roles, I understand both the opportunities and the challenges within our sector. This experience helps me ensure our teams have the resources, skills and development they need to provide the highest standard of care.
At Footsteps to Futures, our commitment is clear: positive outcomes through child-centred care. Every child deserves to be listened to, valued and supported according to their individual strengths and aspirations, in safe, nurturing environments where they can thrive.
I am incredibly proud of our teams, whose dedication and passion are the strength of our organisation, which is built on trust, respect and shared values. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on outstanding care, investing in our people, and helping every child feel safe, supported and empowered to succeed.
Donna Francis
Director
Our work
What we do
Residential Care
Our aim is to offer all young people the best opportunities in life through emotional discovery, teaching life skills and supporting them in building their social skills.
Support and Therapeutic Services
We provide environments that support every young person in building confidence, achieving goals, and preparing for a successful future both in our homes and at our Independent Special School.
Education
Our Independent Special School gives children and young people with SEND/SEMH the chance to re-engage with learning in an environment built around their needs. We believe education is about far more than exams; it is about rebuilding confidence, curiosity and a sense of achievement.
Find out more
Speak to use about impact that Footsteps can make on Young Peoples lives.
Our values
Our ethos at Footsteps
Warmth & Understanding
Approaching every child and young person with patience, kindness and genuine care, so they feel valued and understood throughout their time with us.
Safe, Consistent Homes
Providing calm, nurturing living environments and reliable routines that give children the security they need to settle, build trust and start to thrive.
Learning That Meets the Child
Delivering education tailored to each pupil's needs through Swallow Grange, our independent special school, so children with SEND/SEMH needs can learn at their own pace in a setting built around them.
Personalised Support
Shaping care, education and therapeutic input around each young person's own strengths, needs and aspirations, so every child has the best possible opportunity to succeed.
Our Homes
Footsteps create nurturing, stable environments where young people can build confidence and independence.
In 2015, our founders witnessed the challenges faced by vulnerable children across underserved communities and envisioned.
We proudly support The Harley Jae Trust to help all children have a better future.
Footsteps to Futures are a proud partner of The Harley Jae Trust Children’s Charity; supporting children with life limiting conditions and their families both in the hospital and in the community.
