Oakley House Care Services

Oakley House Care Services (Oakley House Kent)

Oakley House Care Services is a specialist children’s residential care provider based in Kent. The organisation focuses on providing a safe, therapeutic, and nurturing environment for children and young people who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Who We Are

Oakley House operates as a specialist therapeutic care provider, functioning as a vital partner for local authorities in supporting children with complex emotional and behavioural needs.

The organisation is led by a team dedicated to a trauma-informed care philosophy. Their model is built on the belief that "care is a calling," focusing on helping children build a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. They are known for their commitment to creating homes that do not feel institutional, but rather encourage creativity, exploration, and socialisation to provide a solid foundation for growth.

Headquartered with administrative offices in London and operational hubs in Kent (Maidstone area), the organisation emphasises building meaningful, trust-based relationships. They pride themselves on a "centred approach," where the child's wellbeing is the primary driver of every decision and action.

What We Do

Children’s Residential Care

Operating small-group residential homes designed to provide a 24/7 safe haven for children (typically aged 8–18) who cannot live with their birth families.

Trauma-Informed Intervention

Utilising specialised care frameworks to understand and respond to the impact of past trauma, helping children heal through consistent, empathetic caregiving.

Emotional & Behavioural Support (EBD)

Providing intensive support for young people with complex emotional needs, focusing on stability, de-escalation, and emotional regulation.

Life Skills & Education Support

Assisting children in our care to engage with education and develop the practical skills necessary for a successful transition into adulthood.

Bespoke Care Planning

Developing highly individualised pathways for each child, involving regular reviews and a commitment to "continuous improvement" of care standards.

Transition Management

Supporting young people as they move toward foster care, reunification with family (where safe), or semi-independent living arrangements.

Approach & Values

Oakley House focuses on healing, self-worth, and resilience.

They prioritise trust-based relationships, ensuring that staff are trained to look beyond a child's behaviour to understand the underlying emotional need. Their approach is designed to be holistic, treating the environment, the staff-child interaction, and the daily routine as parts of a single therapeutic "milieu."

A strong emphasis is placed on investment in people, where the organisation provides ongoing training and support to its carers, recognising that the wellbeing of the staff is directly linked to the quality of care the children receive.

Industry Role

Oakley House plays a significant role in the Children's Social Care sector in Kent, addressing the critical shortage of high-quality therapeutic placements for vulnerable young people.

As a dedicated EBD provider, the organisation helps reduce the need for out-of-county placements, allowing children to remain closer to their local communities while receiving the specialist help they require. They act as a proactive member of the local care provider network, focusing on high-impact, long-term outcomes for children in the "Looked After" system.

They offer rewarding career opportunities for those looking to move beyond traditional support work into therapeutic childcare, providing a professional environment that values commitment and long-term professional growth.