Looked after Children’s Services (0-19 years)

Our specialist childcare and education team support a wide range of clients, including owners, operators and investors across these specialist business property markets.

Our specialist childcare and education team support a wide range of clients, including owners, operators and investors across these specialist business property markets.

Our looked after children’s services expertise spans across independent foster care agencies (IFAs), residential children’s homes, parent and baby residential assessment centres, education, family support services, independent living support and step-down accommodation for care leavers.

During recent years, with children’s needs becoming more complex and with referrals increasing, there is presently a significant shortage in supply, and this has further fuelled demand from business property buyers. We have seen established operators up and down the country eagerly pursuing organic expansion opportunities as well as established operational children’s homes and specialist childcare businesses. There has also been further interest from organisations and investors keen to enter the market. As such, the increase in former independent schools being brought to market with vacant possession - many of which present renovation potential – has been met with great interest from buyers across the specialist sectors.

Notably, buyers are increasingly drawn to businesses which offer quality therapeutic and high acuity care, further fuelling demand from providers seeking vacant premises that are suitable for business expansion alongside existing business acquisition opportunities. There also remains a focus on providing high quality education as part of a care package, with operators working on a satellite structure of school and feeder homes.

Due to the needs-driven nature of the sector and the lack of any geography bias, demand is consistent across the UK with many acquisitive operators being keen to bridge location operational gaps they may have or seeking to acquire businesses with a robust cluster set up.

Trade and investor interest have continued unabated, as businesses that provide specialist care and education for children and young people continue to draw interest from a wide pool of buyers.



Sold by Christie & Co:

Audley House, Stoke-on-Trent

A former children’s home, previously registered for two which was purchased by The Esland Group.



Considerate Care Ltd, Liverpool

Considerate Care Ltd is a long-established portfolio of two reputable children’s homes in Liverpool. In a deal brokered by our specialist team, the homes were sold to Keys Group.




Looking to buy a looked after children’s services business?

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Many of the businesses we sell are sold on a highly confidential basis while you can start your online search below, contact our team to discuss opportunities that are not being openly advertised or listed online.

Childcare & Education Businesses For Sale


Selling a looked after children’s services business

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Whether you’re contemplating a sale now or in the future our team are best placed to help you prepare and can provide you with a free, confidential appraisal.