About Us
Who Are Sunflower . . .
Sunflower Children Care Services was founded in 2024 by Joanne Slaney, Martin Biggs, Ralph Staniforth and Julie Staniforth, brought together by a shared belief that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, cared for and, most importantly, at home.
Our vision from the beginning was simple: to create children’s homes that genuinely feel like homes – places where children and young people can experience stability, build trusting relationships and be supported to grow, develop and achieve their potential.
Our founders bring together a unique combination of professional knowledge, practical experience and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of children and young people.
Joanne Slaney is a qualified Social Worker with over 25 years’ experience working with children and families. Her extensive experience of safeguarding, children in care and supporting children with complex needs helps ensure that the care we provide is always centred around the individual child, their experiences, wishes and needs.
Martin Biggs is a highly experienced builder specialising in bespoke, high-quality homes. Martin brings an understanding that the environment in which a child lives really matters. Our homes are therefore carefully developed to be welcoming, comfortable and homely – places that children can be proud to call home.
Ralph and Julie Staniforth have a strong commitment to making a positive difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people. They dedicate their time, energy and experience to supporting the development of services that give children stability, opportunities and the chance to experience positive and meaningful childhoods.
Together, we created Sunflower Children Care Services around one fundamental principle:
Children should not simply be provided with a placement – they should be provided with a home.
We want the children and young people who live with us to know that they matter. We want them to be listened to, involved in decisions about their lives, encouraged to develop their strengths and supported through the challenges they may face.
At Sunflower, our aim is to provide nurturing, consistent and high-quality care that helps children feel secure, develop confidence and independence, and look towards their future with ambition and hope.
Every child is different. Every child has potential. Every child deserves the opportunity to flourish.
Growing bright futures
in safe and nurturing home's
A Sunflower's Journey . . .
Poem by Sophie, Age 12.
From a tiny seed, so small and bright, a sunflower dreams of reaching new height.
With gentle care, it finds the sun, in our loving home, its journey's begun.
Nurtured with love, it starts to grow, each petal unfolding, a vibrant glow.
With roots that strengthen, it learns to stand tall, in a world of kindness, it blossoms for all.
Just like the sunflower, each child we tend, will flourish and thrive, with support to the end.
In our warm embrace, they’ll learn and they’ll play, growing stronger each moment, day by day.
Meet Our Manager
Rebecca Cussens
Louis House and Louis Haven are managed by Rebecca Cussens, who is registered with Ofsted. Rebecca has over 16 years of experience working in Children’s Residential Care and holds a Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification.
As the Designated Safeguarding Officer, Rebecca’s safeguarding qualification is accredited by Nottingham Trent University. Her extensive experience includes working with children and young people who have experienced trauma, attachment difficulties, and complex emotional needs.
Rebecca is passionate about creating nurturing, child-focused environments where young people feel safe, valued, and supported to reach their full potential. She leads the team in delivering high-quality care through therapeutic approaches underpinned by the Secure Base Model, promoting trust, resilience, and positive relationships.
Her leadership style is collaborative and supportive, ensuring that every member of the team is empowered, well-trained, and confident in providing consistent, compassionate care. Rebecca is committed to maintaining the highest standards of practice and continuously developing services to improve outcomes for children.