Outcomes First Group
Outcomes First Group is a specialist provider of education and care services to children, young people and adults with autism, complex needs, learning disabilities and social, emotional and mental health needs. With Sovereign's support the Group grew to become one of the UK's leading providers in its field.
Sector
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Status
Realised
Investment Date
2013 - 2019
Location
UK
Investment background
The founders of Hillcrest, one of the longest established independent providers of care and education for looked-after children in the UK, had decided to retire. They wanted a buyer that understood their high-quality specialist offering and would build upon what they had achieved.
Sovereign was able to both address the succession planning and demonstrate a commitment to investing futher in the Hillcrest service offering. In 2013, Hillcrest became part of Sovereign's newly created Outcomes First Group.
The growth story
At the outset of the partnership, the Group operated 4 specialist day schools and 13 specialist children’s care homes in England. In 2016 Sovereign backed the merger of Outcomes First Group with Options Group, expanding the services offered to a national level. At exit, Outcomes First Group:
- was one of the UK's leading providers of specialist care and education to children and adults and the UK's highest-quality large provider by Ofsted
- was a highly respected specialist provider of education and care services to young people and adults with autism, complex needs, learning disabilities, and social, emotional and mental health needs
- operated 45 care homes for children and adults, 12 specialist schools for children, together with a college for young adults
- looked after over 800 young people and adults across services ranging from special schools to residential care and specialist fostering
Outcomes First Group was acquired by NFA, which was a natural fit for the Group.
Sovereign was a highly supportive partner, enabling us to develop the services offered whilst ensuring that the quality of care provided remained centre to the Group’s offering. Joining NFA was a natural progression for Outcomes First Group that will benefit our service users, Local Authority partners and staff as we continue to develop our specialist services.