Keys Group expand with acquisition of Residential Family Assessment Centre

26.02.10


The expansion of Keys Group, the largest independent provider of specialist residential children’s homes and education services in the UK, continues with the recent acquisition of a Residential Family Assessment Centre to add to its extensive portfolio of services for children and families. The acquisition of Malvern Achievement Services Ltd which operated Crown House, a highly successful Residential Family Assessment Centre rated ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED and based in Worcester, UK, is a major development for the Keys Group which will see their portfolio grow to 82 homes and 19 schools with the employment of 20 additional staff bringing their workforce total to over 1300.

This major development in children’s services in the UK further demonstrates the Keys Group commitment to improving outcomes for children by both bringing corporate good practice to Childrens Services and diversification to meet the needs of customer Local Authorities. Crown House will continue to provide crucial services such as comprehensive court assessments, innovative direct work programmes to address identified needs and positive parenting programmes.

The Keys Group incorporates several integrated specialist divisions offering a range of high quality services including Residential Care, Education, Therapy and Adoption Support with this new service set to enhance Keys portfolio. 

Heather Laffin, Chief Executive, Keys Group, explains the importance of the acquisition to the company’s strategic growth:

“The acquisition of Crown House was a proactive decision to reinforce our passion and focus to delivering positive outcomes for children and their families. It is an important development for our business as it helps us deliver positive outcomes to even younger children and make a real difference to their future wellbeing.”

Enthusiastic about the new service, Peter O’Neill, Marketing Director, Keys Group, said:

“This represents an exciting opportunity for the Keys Group to develop a further specialist service within our existing Group. The Residential Family Assessment model not only fits perfectly in line with our therapeutic, child focussed ethos but is also a fantastic addition to our current portfolio of services.”