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At Oakfield House, we provide more than just care – we offer a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment where young people thrive.
At Oakfield House, we provide more than just care—we offer a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment where young people with learning disabilities, autism spectrum conditions, and complex needs can truly thrive. Set in the peaceful countryside of East Sussex, Oakfield House is a five-bedded residential home designed to support children aged 8 to 18 through a holistic, person-centred approach.
Our home is thoughtfully divided into two distinct living spaces:
Our dedicated team of care mentors are fully trained in a foundation of PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) which is then strengthened by an understanding of Autism, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), PRICE techniques and trauma-informed care. They work closely with our in-house therapeutic team, which includes a Thrive Practitioner, Clinical Psychologist (Trainee), Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist, and Behaviour Consultant. Together, they deliver integrated, bespoke support tailored to each young person’s needs.
Set within its own secure grounds, Oakfield House shares its location with Headstart School, allowing for close collaboration between care and education teams. The surrounding 11-acre site includes farm animals, an equine facility, and opportunities for outdoor learning and therapeutic engagement—creating a truly enriching environment.
The values of Oakfield House echo the values of Headstart Residential Care, which are:
Children receive comprehensive health support, including:
Each Headstart home is led by a dedicated management team who bring warmth, experience, and stability to daily life. Our Registered Manager and Deputy Manager work closely with staff to provide a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment where young people can feel secure, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
Registered Manager (Oakfield)
Deputy Manager (Oakfield)
Oakfield House fosters positive, respectful relationships between staff and children. Behaviour is managed through:
Staff apply the PACE model—Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy—to build trust and support emotional well-being.
PBS techniques help encourage positive choices and reduce challenging behaviours through consistency and reinforcement.
All staff are trained in PRICE methods, using calm de-escalation and safe intervention when necessary.
We use restorative practices and natural consequences to promote reflection, responsibility, and reconciliation.
A clear zero-tolerance stance ensures every child feels safe, respected, and free from harm.
Children are encouraged to maintain family contact and take part in community life to build a sense of belonging.
Led by Registered Manager Alexis and Deputy Manager, Nic, the team includes experienced and qualified staff with diverse backgrounds. Staff receive:
All placements are carefully matched and planned. The home prioritises:
At The Croft, our policies are in place to ensure the highest standards of care, safety and accountability. You can find key documents below for reference.
Our Statement of Purpose outlines the aims, objectives, and ethos of each Headstart Residential home, detailing how we provide consistent, high-quality care and support for every young person.
This document is available upon request.
Request a copyOur homes are registered with Ofsted and regularly inspected to ensure we maintain the highest standards of care and safeguarding.
Copies of our most recent Ofsted reports are available upon request.
Request a copy