The Caldecott Foundation

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The Caldecott Foundation

We help children and young people build a positive future, by leading the way in therapeutic care

08/08/2026

⚙️ Jackie and Clair are at The Heritage Sprint today! 🚗

If you're visiting Betteshanger Country Park, pop over and say hello! 👋💛

Whether you're curious about fostering or simply want to find out more, Jackie and Clair will be there for a friendly, no-pressure chat and to any questions you may have.

📍 Betteshanger Country Park
📅 Saturday 8 August and Sunday 9 August

We'd love to see you there!

04/08/2026

🌞 Another amazing volunteer day with our friends at Saga!

Today, a team of six volunteers joined forces with our Maintenance Team to transform a part of one of our homes garden into a wonderful sensory space. Despite the heat, the team worked incredibly hard to build raised planters, water runs, an outdoor easel, a worm farm, a mini bug hotel, and even a sand pit complete with its very own digger! Two volunteers also gave the pergola a fantastic refresh.

Soon, the children will be able to grow and care for their own herbs, peppers and strawberries, watch wildlife visit the bug hotel, explore textures and sounds, and enjoy a calming space designed to support play, learning and wellbeing.

These volunteer days create so much more than practical improvements. They create opportunities, experiences and happy memories for the children and young people we support.

A huge thank you to everyone from Saga and our brilliant Maintenance Team. 💚🌱🍓🐞

30/07/2026

🏕️ The final night of our 69th Annual Summer Camp is here… and what a week it’s been! 💙

Over the past four days, our children have embraced every opportunity, from swimming, archery and raft building to abseiling, the zip wire and the low ropes course. They’ve stepped outside their comfort zones, built confidence, made new friendships and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Today brought even more adventures before everyone came together this evening for our traditional Camp BBQ. A huge thank you to Brakes who generously donated all of the food for the week, helping us feed around 60 people every evening. Your continued support means so much to us.

As the sun began to set, everyone gathered around the campfire before enjoying a friendly game of football, bringing another fantastic day to a close. We also celebrated the children’s achievements at our Camp Awards, including the judging of this year’s camp flags and camp T-shirts – a brilliant way to recognise the creativity, teamwork and effort shown throughout the week.

For 69 years, Summer Camp has been one of Caldecott’s most cherished traditions, giving the children we support the chance to challenge themselves, have fun and simply enjoy being children.

To every volunteer, donor and supporter who has helped make this week possible, thank you. Your generosity creates memories that will stay with our children for years to come.

As we spend one final night under the stars, we’re already looking forward to an extra special milestone – our 70th Annual Summer Camp next year. 🏕️💙

29/07/2026

✨ Celebrating the people who make Caldecott so special ✨

Last week, more than 100 staff, trustees, alumni, supporters and friends of the Foundation came together for our annual Caldecott Staff Awards Evening – one of our favourite events of the year and a wonderful opportunity to recognise the incredible people who make a difference to children and young people every day.

Hosted by our very own CEO, Nick Barnett, and expertly compered by Trustee Richard Ford, the evening celebrated the extraordinary commitment, compassion and dedication shown across the Foundation. As Nick said in his welcome speech:

"The difference you make is immeasurable, and tonight we celebrate your commitment, professionalism and compassion."

We were delighted to welcome former Chairs of Trustees, members of the Caldecott Association, alumni and long-standing corporate supporters, whose presence reflected the enduring connections and proud heritage of the Foundation. From former residents sharing their experiences to supporters who have championed our work for many years, their stories were a powerful reminder of the lasting impact a caring and supportive environment can have on a child's life.

Guests enjoyed a fantastic BBQ from The Spitting Pig Company, drinks from Roam Bar, and two inspirational guest speakers. Mike Laureman CBE, former Chair of Trustees, shared reflections on leadership and service, while Caldecott alumnus Kevin Spearing spoke movingly about his journey and the impact Caldecott has had on his life.

The evening's awards recognised staff from across our homes, school, fostering service and support teams, celebrating those who consistently go above and beyond to help children feel safe, valued and able to thrive. Many nominations highlighted the exceptional relationships staff build with young people, their unwavering support, creativity and dedication, and the positive difference they make every single day.

We were also proud to present our Corporate Community Champion Award to Mitie, recognising their outstanding support for Caldecott and their commitment to helping create brighter futures for the children and young people we support.

Congratulations to all our nominees and winners, and thank you to everyone who joined us for such a special evening. Events like this remind us just how fortunate we are to have such an amazing community of staff, alumni, trustees, volunteers, supporters and partners standing behind our mission.

Together, we continue to build on a proud legacy of transforming lives and creating brighter futures. 💙

28/07/2026

🏕️ Our 69th Annual Summer Camp is officially underway!

Yesterday, our children arrived at camp to begin four unforgettable nights of adventure, friendship and new experiences.

Throughout the week, they'll be taking on exciting activities including swimming, archery, raft building, the low ropes course, abseiling and the zip wire, each one helping to build confidence, resilience, teamwork and lasting memories.

A much-loved Caldecott tradition for 69 years, Camp is about so much more than adventure. It gives the children we support the opportunity to challenge themselves, grow in confidence, make lifelong memories and simply enjoy being children in a safe, supportive environment.

On Thursday evening, everyone will come together for the traditional Camp BBQ, always one of the highlights of the week and a chance to celebrate another fantastic Summer Camp together.

This incredible tradition is only possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, supporters and volunteers. Your kindness gives our children opportunities they may not otherwise have and creates memories that will stay with them for years to come.

From everyone at The Caldecott Foundation, thank you for making our 69th Annual Summer Camp possible. 💙

27/07/2026

🌟 Stallholders Wanted! 🌟

We are delighted to partner with The Pig & Sty, Bethersden, part of the Elite Pubs family, for their upcoming Village Fayre on Saturday 5th September 2026.

A huge thank you to The Pig & Sty and Elite Pubs for choosing to support The Caldecott Foundation and the children and young people we help to thrive. 💙

If you're a local crafter, artisan, small business, charity or community group, why not take advantage of a free pitch and be part of what promises to be a fantastic day for the local community?

📅 Saturday 5th September 2026
📍 The Pig & Sty, Bethersden
📧 [email protected]

Every stall will help raise awareness and support brighter futures for local children and young people.

24/07/2026

🎾 A fantastic day at the annual Benenden Tennis Tournament on Wednesday!

We were delighted to attend this wonderful event and are incredibly grateful to be one of the charities supported by the tournament each year. Thank you to the organisers, sponsors, players and supporters whose generosity helps us continue creating brighter futures for the children and young people we support at The Caldecott Foundation.

It was a pleasure to be part of such a special day, bringing together sport, community and philanthropy in support of important causes.

💙

17/07/2026

🎓✨ Today we celebrated our Year 11 leavers with a special assembly, followed by CaldeFest – a fantastic afternoon of fun and celebration for the whole school community!

As our young people prepare for their next chapter, each Year 11 student received their own laptop, leavers’ hoodie, keyring, clothing voucher and other essentials to support them with education, employment and independence.

A huge thank you to The Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust⁠ for making this possible. Their generous support has enabled us to provide these amazing leaving gifts and give our young people the best possible start as they move on from Caldecott.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 11s and all they have achieved. Congratulations and good luck for the future! 💙

🎓✨

15/07/2026

💙 A huge thank you to Shayne at Brewers for his continued support of The Caldecott Foundation.

Over the past few months, we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Shayne, our dedicated Account Manager, whose support and commitment have made a real difference to our charity.

Yesterday, Shayne kindly delivered a generous donation of paint and brushes, which will be used to help transform our children’s bedrooms. These materials will enable us to create more personalised, individual spaces that reflect each child’s personality, interests and needs, helping them feel more comfortable, valued and at home.

Partnerships like this have a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful to Shayne and everyone at Brewers for helping us create brighter, more welcoming environments for the young people in our care.

Thank you for making a difference. 💙

Brewers Decorator Centres

14/07/2026

What a way to finish. What a journey. 💙

Our Year 11 residential was a celebration of courage, resilience and friendship.

From flying through the air on the trapeze and conquering the abseiling wall, to testing their skills in fencing, archery tag and problem-solving challenges, every young person embraced each opportunity with determination and a willingness to step beyond their comfort zone.

Watching them encourage one another, face their fears and celebrate every success was truly inspiring. Every member of staff who shared this experience felt privileged to be part of such a special few days.

As they prepare to leave Caldecott and begin their next chapter, we couldn't be prouder of everything they have achieved. Their courage, character and commitment have been extraordinary, and we know they will continue to achieve great things.

Congratulations, Year 11, thank you for the memories, the laughter and the inspiration. We wish you every success for the future. 🌟

Address

Hythe Road
Ashford
TN256SP

Telephone

+441303815678

Website

http://www.thecaldecottfoundation.co.uk/

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