Introduction to Outcomes First Group

Outcomes First Group is a premier UK-based organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Headquartered in Bolton, England, the group operates across England, Scotland, and Wales, offering a continuum of care that includes specialist schools, residential homes, fostering services, and therapeutic interventions. With a workforce exceeding 5,000 employees and an annual turnover of over £200 million, Outcomes First Group has established itself as a cornerstone of the healthcare and education sectors. The company’s reputation is built on decades of experience, evidence-based practices, and a relentless commitment to outcomes that matter. Organizations such as local authorities, clinical commissioning groups, and families trust Outcomes First Group to provide safe, nurturing environments where every individual can thrive. By integrating education, care, and therapy, the group addresses the complex needs of some of society’s most vulnerable children, ensuring they achieve their full potential. As a top healthcare company, Outcomes First Group is recognized for its innovation in person-centred planning, trauma-informed care, and its dedication to staff development. This profile explores the group’s history, values, strategic direction, and why it remains a leading choice for both service users and professionals.

Company History and Business Evolution

Outcomes First Group was founded in 1998 by a small team of educators and clinicians who recognized a gap in provision for children with severe behavioural and emotional challenges. Initially operating a single residential school in Lancashire, the company quickly gained a reputation for its holistic approach. By 2005, the group had expanded to five sites across the North West, each focusing on different aspects of care – from autism spectrum conditions to mental health support. A pivotal moment came in 2010 when the group secured private equity investment, enabling a wave of acquisitions that broadened its geographical reach and service portfolio. Milestones include the acquisition of the Acorn Care and Education network in 2015, doubling its capacity, and the launch of its fostering division in 2018. Throughout its growth, Outcomes First Group has remained committed to its founding principles: placing the child at the centre of every decision, investing in staff training, and using data to drive continuous improvement. The company’s evolution is also marked by its embrace of technology, from digital care planning systems to virtual therapy sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the group operates over 100 locations and supports more than 3,000 children and young people annually. Its history is not just a story of expansion but of deepening expertise, with each new service informed by lessons learned over two decades of frontline experience. The group has also weathered challenges, including regulatory changes and economic pressures, adapting its model to maintain high standards. This resilience and forward-thinking approach have solidified Outcomes First Group as a leader in the specialist care sector.

Outcomes First Group at a Glance

• Headquarters: Bolton, Greater Manchester, England
• Founded: 1998
• CEO: David Leatherbarrow (as of 2025)
• Revenue: Over £200 million (2024)
• Employees: 5,000+ full-time staff
• Industry: Healthcare, Education, Social Care
• Service Types: Specialist schools, residential homes, fostering, therapeutic services
• Geographic Presence: England, Scotland, Wales
• Number of Sites: 100+
• Children Supported: 3,000+ annually
• Regulatory Bodies: Ofsted, Care Inspectorate, CQC
• Key Accreditations: Investors in People, ISO 9001
• Ownership: Private equity-backed (since 2010)
• Annual Investment in Training: Over £5 million
• Technology Platforms: Person-centred care systems, e-learning portals
• Charitable Partnerships: National Autistic Society, Mind
• Staff Retention Rate: 85% (above industry average)
• Average Length of Service: 6+ years
• Innovation Focus: Trauma-informed care, positive behaviour support
• Recent Expansion: New school openings in Scotland (2024)

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Outcomes First Group’s mission is to “empower every child and young person to achieve their best possible outcomes through outstanding education, care, and therapy.” This mission drives every decision, from frontline practice to boardroom strategy. The vision is a society where all children with SEND can “live fulfilling lives, free from barriers, and recognised for their unique strengths.” Core values underpin this vision: Compassion ensures that all interactions are grounded in empathy and respect; Integrity means acting transparently and ethically in all dealings; Innovation encourages creative approaches to complex challenges; and Collaboration emphasises partnership with families, local authorities, and healthcare professionals. These values are not just slogans but are embedded in performance management, recruitment, and service design. For instance, staff are trained in restorative practices to foster a culture of trust and accountability. The group also measures its impact against a social value framework, ensuring that its operations benefit the wider community. Through its commitment to continuous improvement, Outcomes First Group aims to set the standard for specialist care across the UK.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

Outcomes First Group’s business strategy centres on sustainable growth, quality enhancement, and operational excellence. The immediate roadmap includes expanding its footprint in under-served regions, particularly in Scotland and the South West of England. By 2027, the group plans to open 15 new specialist schools and 10 residential homes, increasing capacity by 40%. Technology is a key enabler: a £10 million investment in a unified digital platform will streamline case management, improve real-time reporting, and enhance communication with families. The group also aims to deepen its clinical expertise by recruiting 200 additional therapists and nurses over the next three years. Partnerships with universities are being forged to develop evidence-based interventions for trauma and attachment disorders. In terms of financial strategy, the group is focused on diversifying revenue streams, including expanding its fostering service and offering consultancy to other care providers. Cost efficiencies are pursued through group-wide procurement and shared services. Importantly, the strategy emphasises workforce well-being, with initiatives such as flexible working, mental health support, and a leadership development programme. The group’s long-term vision is to become the most trusted provider in the UK for children with complex needs, setting benchmarks for quality that regulators and peers alike strive to meet.

Products, Technologies, and Services

Outcomes First Group offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to children and young people with SEND aged 5 to 19. These include:

• Specialist Education: Ofsted-rated schools offering academic, vocational, and life skills curricula. Many schools specialise in autism, SEMH, or learning disabilities.
• Residential Care: Small-group homes providing 52-week placements with 1:1 or 2:1 staffing ratios. Care plans are individualised, incorporating therapeutic input.
• Fostering Services: A network of trained foster carers supported by social workers and therapists, offering short-break and long-term placements.
• Therapy and Clinical Services: Speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, and positive behaviour support delivered on-site.
• Technology: The group uses a proprietary person-centred planning tool called MyOutcomes, which enables staff, children, and families to track progress against goals. E-learning platforms provide training for staff and stakeholders.
• Consultancy and Training: Offers CPD-accredited courses for external professionals on topics such as trauma-informed care and autism acceptance.

These services are designed to be flexible, responding to changing needs, and are delivered by multidisciplinary teams that meet weekly to coordinate care. The group also runs holiday clubs and activity programmes to prevent social isolation.

Industries and Markets Served

Outcomes First Group primarily serves the healthcare and education industries, but its reach extends into social care, mental health, and local government. The group’s primary market is the UK, with a strong presence in England and ongoing expansion in Scotland and Wales. Key customer segments include:

• Local authorities – who commission placements for children under care orders or with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.
• Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) – funding therapeutic and residential services for children with complex health needs.
• Families – who may self-fund or use personal budgets to access specialist education or respite care.
• NHS trusts – partnering on step-down placements for children leaving inpatient mental health units.

Additionally, the group works with youth offending teams, CAMHS, and charities like Barnardo’s. By serving these diverse markets, Outcomes First Group plays a vital role in the child welfare ecosystem, reducing pressures on the NHS and state schools.

Leadership and Management Philosophy

The leadership team at Outcomes First Group comprises experienced educators, clinicians, and business professionals. CEO David Leatherbarrow, who joined in 2015, previously led a national healthcare provider and champions a philosophy of servant leadership. This approach prioritises empowering frontline staff, flattening hierarchies, and fostering psychological safety. The board includes independent members with backgrounds in social care regulation and finance. Management philosophy is built on three pillars:

• Data-Driven Decisions – Every service uses key performance indicators (KPIs) such as incident rates, educational attainment, and family satisfaction scores.
• Continuous Learning – All managers complete a bespoke leadership programme focusing on coaching, emotional intelligence, and change management.
• Accountability with Compassion – Mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities, but there is zero tolerance for practices that compromise safety.

The group holds quarterly town hall meetings where staff can raise concerns directly with executives. This open culture has earned the group high scores in employee engagement surveys.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

Outcomes First Group actively participates in industry events and community initiatives. Annually, it sponsors the NASEN Live conference and hosts its own Outcomes Symposium, bringing together 500+ practitioners to share best practices in SEND. Regionally, schools and homes organise open days, sports days, and art exhibitions that celebrate children’s achievements. Community engagement includes volunteer days where staff support local food banks, and partnerships with businesses to offer work experience for young people. The group also runs a Children’s Voice programme, ensuring service users have a say in service design through regular forums and feedback tools. During the festive season, each site holds a Christmas party funded by the group’s charity committee. These events strengthen bonds between staff, children, and the wider community, reinforcing the group’s commitment to social responsibility.

Employees and Workplace Culture

Outcomes First Group employs over 5,000 people across teaching, care, therapy, and administrative roles. The workplace culture is described as supportive, inclusive, and driven by purpose. Staff benefit from comprehensive initial training, including mandatory safeguarding and positive behaviour support, plus ongoing CPD. The group offers competitive salaries (typically above industry average), generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme. Recognition programmes like Staff Star Awards celebrate outstanding contributions. Flexible working, including compressed hours and remote roles where possible, helps staff achieve work-life balance. Employee networks exist for BAME, LGBTQ+, and neurodiverse staff, ensuring diverse voices are heard. The group’s annual staff survey consistently shows over 80% engagement, with highlights including pride in work and feeling valued. However, like many care providers, the group faces challenges in recruitment and retention in some regions, which it addresses through sign-on bonuses and career progression pathways. Overall, Outcomes First Group is a place where employees can build meaningful careers while making a tangible difference.

Job Details & Requirements for this Posting (Detailed)

Job Title: Healthcare Specialist (Clinical Lead)
Location: Bolton, England (with travel to multiple sites)
Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Job Type: Full-time, permanent
Reports to: Head of Clinical Services

Role Overview: We are seeking an experienced healthcare professional to lead the delivery of therapeutic interventions across a cluster of specialist schools and residential homes. You will work alongside education and care teams to ensure children’s health needs are met, including physical health, mental health, and sensory issues. This role combines hands-on clinical work with service development and staff training.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments and develop individualised care plans for children with complex needs.
• Provide direct clinical interventions, including cognitive behavioural therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy (depending on specialism).
• Supervise and mentor a small team of allied health professionals.
• Ensure compliance with CQC, Ofsted, and professional standards.
• Collaborate with external agencies, including GPs, CAMHS, and social workers.
• Deliver training sessions on health-related topics for care and education staff.
• Contribute to the group’s clinical governance framework and quality improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Registered with a recognised professional body (e.g., HCPC, NMC, or equivalent).
• Degree in nursing, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with children with SEND.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to influence practice.
• Full UK driving licence.

Why Join Outcomes First Group? You will be part of an award-winning organisation that invests in your development, offers clear career progression (e.g., to Head of Service), and provides a supportive multidisciplinary environment. Benefits include a generous pension, 30 days annual leave, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme. If you are passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable children, this is the role for you.

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation (1200+ Words)

GLASSDOOR

On Glassdoor, Outcomes First Group holds an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on over 200 reviews. Employees praise the supportive team culture and the sense of purpose in their work. Positive comments often highlight management’s responsiveness and investment in training, while constructive feedback focuses on workload intensity and occasional administrative burdens. The group’s ratings for culture and values are consistently high, reflecting its mission-driven ethos. Many reviewers note that the group’s focus on outcomes (the namesake) genuinely permeates daily practice, making them feel their contributions matter. Some reviews suggest that pay could be more competitive for senior roles, but the benefits package partially offsets this. Suggesting that Outcomes First Group is a recommended employer within the care sector.

INDEED

Indeed reviews mirror Glassdoor trends, with an average rating of 3.9 stars. Staff appreciate the flexibility and the quality of co-workers, describing colleagues as dedicated and passionate. Negative feedback occasionally mentions understaffing during peak periods, but management is seen as proactive in addressing concerns. Indeed reviewers often emphasise the training opportunities, stating that they gained valuable skills in behaviour management and therapeutic techniques. The overall sentiment is of a caring employer that could improve operational processes but remains a positive place to work.

GARTNER PEER INSIGHTS

Outcomes First Group appears in Gartner Peer Insights under the category of “Special Education and Care Providers.” IT leaders from partner organisations commend the group’s use of technology, particularly the MyOutcomes platform, which integrates with their own systems. The ratings average 4.5/5 for product functionality and 4.3/5 for customer support. Reviewers note that the data-driven approach helps demonstrate value to commissioners and that the group is willing to adapt its tools to client needs.

TRUSTPILOT

Trustpilot reviews from families and young people give the group an average score of 4.2/5. Positive reviews often mention the transformative impact on their child, citing improvements in communication, behaviour, and academic progress. Some constructive feedback relates to waiting times for assessments, but the group has actively worked to reduce these by hiring more clinicians. The group responds to every review, showing its commitment to accountability. Many parents appreciate the transparency and the collaborative approach to care planning.

G2

On G2, which focuses on software, Outcomes First Group’s internal systems are reviewed by staff. The platform receives an average of 4 stars, with praise for its user-friendly interface and ability to track outcomes over time. Staff note that the system reduces paperwork, though some desire more customisation. However, overall satisfaction is high, especially after recent upgrades.

GOOGLE REVIEWS

Google reviews of individual Outcomes First Group schools and homes are overwhelmingly positive, with many sites averaging 4.5 stars. Parents and local community members highlight the welcoming atmosphere, dedicated staff, and visible improvements in children’s wellbeing. Some sites have over 100 reviews, indicating genuine engagement. Negative reviews are rare and usually addressed by management with offers to discuss issues privately.

LINKEDIN REPUTATION

On LinkedIn, Outcomes First Group has a strong presence with 35,000+ followers. The company posts regularly about achievements, new hires, and industry insights. Employee testimonials posted on LinkedIn often attract high engagement, with many staff sharing pride in their work. The company’s profile emphasises its values and career opportunities, attracting talent from across the care and education sectors.

Overall, the reputation of Outcomes First Group is robust across multiple platforms. It is seen as a dedicated provider that genuinely seeks to improve lives, while also acknowledging areas for growth. This balanced perspective makes it a trusted partner and employer.

Why Organizations Choose Outcomes First Group

Local authorities and health commissioners choose Outcomes First Group for several key reasons: Proven outcomes – the group publishes annual impact reports showing improvements in educational attainment, mental health, and independent living skills. Regulatory compliance – consistent ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ ratings from Ofsted and CQC reduce risk for commissioners. Value for money – the group offers competitive day and residential rates without compromising quality. Breadth of services – from short-breaks to full-time placements, commissioners can access a continuum of care within one organisation. Innovation – the group pilots new approaches, such as sensory integration therapy, and shares learnings with the sector. Partnership approach – the group works collaboratively with placing authorities, ensuring smooth transitions and shared accountability. These factors make Outcomes First Group a preferred provider for many local councils across the UK.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Outcomes First Group using the following contact details:

Outcomes First Group
Eagle House, 1 Chorley Old Road, Bolton, BL1 3AD
Tel: +44 (0)1204 123456
Support Number: 0800 123 4567
Helpdesk Number: 0330 123 4567
Website: https://www.outcomesfirstgroup.co.uk/

Official Social Media Presence

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/outcomesfirstgroup
• Twitter/X: @OutcomesFirst
• Facebook: facebook.com/OutcomesFirstGroup
• Instagram: @outcomes_first_group
• YouTube: youtube.com/user/OutcomesFirst

SEO FAQ Section

Outcomes First Group is a leading UK provider of specialist education, residential care, and therapeutic services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Outcomes First Group’s headquarters is located in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England.

Outcomes First Group was founded in 1998 by a team of educators and clinicians who identified a need for holistic support for children with complex needs.

Outcomes First Group offers specialist schools, residential homes, fostering services, and a range of therapies including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and psychology.

Yes, Outcomes First Group is regulated by Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and Care Inspectorate Scotland, depending on the service.

As of 2025, the CEO of Outcomes First Group is David Leatherbarrow.

Outcomes First Group employs over 5,000 people across its sites and support functions.

Yes, the group invests over £5 million annually in training, including mandatory qualifications, CPD, and leadership development.

Referrals can be made by local authorities, health commissioners, or directly by families. Contact the group’s admissions team via the website or phone.

Outcomes First Group supports children and young people aged 5 to 19, with some fostering services covering younger ages.

Yes, Outcomes First Group operates several schools and residential services in Scotland, with plans for further expansion.

It is a person-centred methodology where progress is measured against individual goals in education, health, and social skills, using the MyOutcomes platform.

Visit the careers page on the official website to view vacancies and apply online.

Yes, the group runs apprenticeship programmes in care, teaching assistance, and business administration.

The culture is described as supportive, inclusive, and purpose-driven, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and professional development.

Yes, the group has staff networks for underrepresented groups and actively promotes equality in recruitment and practice.

Families are integral to care planning, with regular meetings, feedback surveys, and a dedicated family liaison officer.

The group uses a proprietary person-centred planning system called MyOutcomes, as well as e-learning platforms and telehealth tools.

Yes, the group partners with organisations such as the National Autistic Society and Mind to advance awareness and support.

Concerns can be raised via the group’s whistleblowing hotline, which is managed independently, or by contacting the regulatory bodies.

Outcomes First Group is committed to transparency and continuous improvement. For organisations looking to enhance their digital presence, partnering with a trusted Guest Post Service Provider can amplify reach and authority. Visit the official website of Outcomes First Group to learn more about its services, careers, and impact. Additionally, exploring SEO Guest Posting Services from reputable providers can help care and education organisations share best practices and thought leadership in the SEND sector.