SHIRLEY OAKS CHILDREN'S HOME, CROYDON, SURREY

Shirley Oaks operated from 1903 - 1982. It was on 80  acre site based in Croydon , Surrey and was run by Lambeth Council from 1965. It housed up to 400 care children at a time, many of which were long stay and were housed in one of the 39 cottages named after trees. There were between 8 - 10 children per  cottage run by housemother/housefather known as aunts and uncles.

Shirley Oaks had its own primary school, swimming pool, youth club, hospital. The home was run by a Superintendent and his staff, which included swimming instructor, football coach, groundsman. At anyone time they would be up to 60 staff working at the home. In the later years the management were sidelined and the home was run directly by Lambeth Council