Specialist Residential Care for Children with EBD throughout England
Ofsted-registered, therapeutic residential care for children and young people aged 7-17 with emotional and behavioural difficulties - delivered by an experienced team throughout England.
Understanding Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties
Emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) is a term used to describe a range of emotional, social, and behavioural challenges that affect a child's ability to engage with learning, relationships, and daily life. Children with EBD may struggle to regulate their emotions, maintain consistent behaviour, or respond predictably to everyday situations.
EBD is not a single diagnosis - it is an umbrella that can encompass conduct disorders, attachment difficulties, trauma responses, anxiety-related behaviour, and the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Children with EBD have often experienced significant disruption, abuse, or neglect, and their behaviour is frequently a communication of unmet need rather than wilful defiance.
At Elevated Living Group, we see beyond the label. Our experienced specialist team works with each child individually, understanding their history, their triggers, and their strengths - and building a therapeutic environment in which genuine progress is possible.
Ofsted-Registered EBD Specialist
Our EBD residential homes across the North West are fully Ofsted-registered under the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, providing placing authorities with complete confidence in the quality and safety of our provision.
Our Therapeutic Approach to EBD
We combine evidence-based therapeutic frameworks with a warm, home-like environment - giving children the safety, structure, and relationships they need to begin to heal.
Trauma-Informed Care
Every member of our specialist team is trained in trauma-informed practice. We understand that challenging behaviour in children with EBD is often a response to past trauma, and we respond with curiosity and compassion rather than control and consequence alone.
PACE Model
We use the PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) model developed by Dan Hughes to foster secure attachment and emotional regulation. PACE helps our children with EBD develop trust in their carers and begin to make sense of their own experiences.
Consistent Key Working
Consistency is at the heart of recovery from EBD. Every child at Elevated Living Group has a dedicated key worker who builds a sustained, trusted relationship with them - acting as a secure base from which the child can explore, try, and grow.
Clear Structure & Boundaries
Children with EBD thrive within predictable, boundaried environments that feel safe rather than punitive. Our homes operate clear routines that provide stability, reduce anxiety, and help young people understand cause and effect.
Risk & Crisis Management
Our staff are trained in de-escalation techniques and positive behaviour support, with clear protocols for managing crisis situations. We focus on prevention - recognising the signs of escalating distress early and using relational skills to support the child before a crisis occurs.
Education Partnership
We collaborate closely with specialist schools and PRUs to ensure children with EBD receive appropriate educational support alongside their residential care. We attend reviews, support EHCP processes, and advocate for each child's educational needs.
What Daily Life Looks Like for Children with EBD
Structure, warmth, and purpose - every day at Elevated Living Group is designed around the needs of the individual child.
Morning Routine
Each day begins with a calm, consistent morning routine tailored to the child's needs. Waking up at the same time, having a nutritious breakfast together, and preparing for school or structured daytime activities builds the predictability that children with EBD need to feel safe.
Education & Activities
Children attend their agreed educational provision - whether a specialist EBD school, a PRU, or an alternative provision - supported by staff who understand their individual needs. After education, structured activities, hobbies, and free time are planned with the child's interests and therapeutic goals in mind.
Evening & Wind-Down
Evenings are purposely calmer. Children with EBD can find transitions and unstructured time particularly difficult, so our specialist team plans the wind-down period carefully - including shared meals, quiet time, and consistent bedtime routines that support emotional regulation.
Weekends & Community
Weekends include planned activities in the local local community - trips, sports, hobbies, and social outings that build confidence, independence, and positive life experiences. Contact with family is managed sensitively in line with the child's care plan and placing authority guidance.
Specialist EBD Staff Expertise
Our specialist team combines professional qualifications with lived experience and genuine passion for working with children with EBD.
Professional Qualifications
All Elevated Living Group care staff hold a minimum Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare, with many holding Level 5 leadership qualifications. Our Registered Managers are qualified social workers or hold the QCF Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
Staff receive ongoing training in areas including trauma-informed care, attachment theory, safeguarding, positive behaviour support, first aid, and Makaton communication - ensuring they are equipped to meet the complex needs of children with EBD.
Supervision & Support
Working with children with EBD can be emotionally demanding. We invest in our staff's wellbeing through regular clinical supervision, reflective practice sessions, and access to employee wellbeing support. This investment in our team translates directly into better care for the children placed with us.
Our management team maintains a visible presence within our homes, supporting staff to deliver consistently high-quality care and identifying any concerns early. Commissioning authorities have direct access to our Registered Managers at any time.
Referring a Child with EBD to Elevated Living Group
We accept referrals from local authorities throughout England. We respond to all referrals within 1 working day.
Who We Accept
- Children and young people aged 7-17
- Children with a primary or secondary diagnosis of EBD / conduct disorder
- Children with complex trauma and attachment difficulties
- Children who have experienced multiple placement breakdowns
- Children who require a therapeutic residential placement as an alternative to secure care
- Children also presenting with learning disabilities alongside EBD
- Emergency and planned placements considered
Contact Our Team
Call 01270 358000 or email referrals@elevatedlivinggroup.co.uk to speak with our referrals coordinator. We're available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, with an out-of-hours duty line for urgent placements.
Initial Consultation
We'll gather key information about the child's needs, history, and current situation to assess whether Elevated Living Group is the right match. This conversation is confidential and without obligation.
Matching & Assessment
If we believe we can meet the child's needs, we'll arrange a matching meeting and request relevant documentation including the child's care plan, risk assessment, and most recent LAC review. We'll complete a placement compatibility assessment within 24 hours.
Placement Agreement
Once matched, we'll agree placement terms with your commissioning team, arrange an introductory visit wherever possible, and prepare the home for the child's arrival. We work at your pace - whether that's a planned transition or an emergency placement.
Full referral process, information checklist, and direct contact details on our referrals page.
Placing Authorities Throughout England
Our EBD residential homes are based in the North West. We accept referrals from placing authorities throughout England - wherever the child is, we can discuss a placement.
We welcome referrals from placing authorities throughout England. Please call us to discuss.
Refer a Child with EBD Today
Specialist Ofsted-registered EBD residential care - we respond to all referrals within 1 working day.