Children and
Young People
Specialist care, placements and day opportunities for children and young people aged 0 to 18. Our team works closely with families, carers and local authorities to get the right support in place.
Every child deserves the right start
Children and young people with complex support needs often face significant challenges finding the right environment. Standard placements do not always fit. At Providence, we take a different approach. We assess each young person holistically and match them with a setting and a team that truly understands their world.
We work with young people who have autism, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioural difficulties, mental health conditions and complex physical needs. We also provide day services and short breaks for children whose families need respite support.
Every placement is supported by a detailed care and support plan, and we maintain regular communication with families, social workers and health professionals throughout.
What we offer for children and young people
We provide a structured range of services that can be combined and adapted to meet each young person's individual needs.
Personal Care for Children
Domiciliary personal care delivered in the child's own home for children and young people who cannot manage personal care independently due to illness, disability or complex needs. Built around the individual child, their routines and their family context.
Learning Disabilities and Autism Support
Specialist one-to-one and group support delivered in line with the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice on Learning Disability and Autism (statutory for all CQC-registered providers from September 2025). Every child has a bespoke support plan covering communication, sensory needs, daily routine and activity choices.
Day Activities for Children and Young People
A structured programme of activities for children and young people with disabilities or complex needs, running outside school hours and during holidays. Age-appropriate, ability-matched — creative sessions, life skills, physical activities and community outings.
Respite for Families
Planned short breaks for parents and family carers of children with complex needs or disabilities. The child is safely cared for by the Providence team while the family gets genuine rest. Can be a few hours, a full day, or an overnight stay.
Transitions Support (Ages 14 to 25)
The move from children's to adult services is one of the most poorly supported transitions in the care system. Our transitions service starts at age 14, with planning conversations involving the young person, their family and their existing support team, so that by age 18 a full adult plan is already in place.
SEMH and Behavioural Support
Social, emotional and mental health support for young people with challenging behaviour, trauma backgrounds or complex presentations. Working alongside clinical and behavioural specialists, we provide structured therapeutic environments. We do not give up on any young person.
Conditions and needs we support
Our children and young people's team has experience and training across a wide range of conditions. We work with young people at all levels of need, from moderate support through to highly complex cases.
Autism spectrum conditions
Specialist autism-aware environments and communication approaches
Learning disabilities
Tailored support at the individual's pace, celebrating every achievement
SEMH (social, emotional and mental health)
Nurturing environments with therapeutic input and structured routines
Physical disabilities and complex health needs
Care plans coordinated with health professionals and adapted spaces
Children with behaviours that challenge
Positive behaviour support frameworks, trained and experienced staff
Looked after children (LAC)
Close partnership with placing authorities and independent reviewing officers
Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
Culturally sensitive support, language access, legal signposting
Transition to adult services (16 to 25)
We support young people through the transition to adult care and independence
Oliver McGowan Code of Practice
From September 2025 the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice became statutory for all CQC-registered providers. All Providence staff working with children and young people with learning disabilities and autism receive mandatory Oliver McGowan training appropriate to their role. Commissioners and social workers can request our training compliance evidence on request.
Our Promise to Every Young Person
At Providence, we commit to listening before we act, to consulting young people on their own care, to respecting their culture and identity, and to never giving up on them regardless of the complexity of their needs.
We work closely with families, carers and advocates to ensure our support is genuinely wrapped around the young person, not just the system.
Referring a young person
We accept referrals from local authorities, NHS teams, social workers, families and independent commissioners. Emergency referrals are responded to within hours.
Make a ReferralWhat happens during our day services
Our day opportunities are structured but flexible. We provide a mix of in-house activities and community outings, with transport included.
Service hours
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm as standard. Flexible hours including 8am to 8pm and weekend sessions available by arrangement.
Activities included
Arts and crafts, music, literacy, cooking, IT skills, sensory activities, sports, bowling, swimming, cinema trips, zoo, parks and much more.
Transport provided
Minibus transport with door-to-door collection where available. Lunches, snacks and drinks are all included in the daily fee.
1:1 and 2:1 support
Higher support ratios available for young people with more complex needs. All staff are trained and refreshed in mandatory training regularly.
Ready to make a referral?
Our team can respond quickly to both planned and emergency referrals. We will guide you through the process from initial contact to placement.