Children Assisted in a Real Environment Ltd specialises in providing residential accommodation for children and young people with learning disabilities and autism: three individual homes across Essex, each one small by design.
“A family type environment and a warm, professional caring approach, centred around the safety and development of the children and young people.”
Although the services we provide have differing dynamics and service requirements, our philosophy and approach is the same in every home: a holistic approach to care in a family setting, developing each young person's identity, awareness, self-confidence and skills.
A holistic approach to care, in a family setting, developing each young person's identity, awareness, self-confidence and skills. We remain sensitive to every young person's religion, cultural identity, disability, language and sexual orientation, and our homes celebrate birthdays, Christmas, Diwali and other festivals together.
Each young person is assessed as an individual and supported through their own care plan, with real activity and routine built around their needs and developmental age.
Each home works closely with parents and everyone associated with a child's care: social workers, psychiatrists, dietitians, special educational needs schools, support groups and health care professionals.
We operate the PECS picture exchange system, with signing alongside speech. Team qualifications include Makaton Level 6 and British Sign Language Level 2.
Every young person is respected as an individual. Our homes celebrate birthdays, Christmas, Diwali and other religious festivals and cultural events together.
CARE Ltd is an independent, owner-run company, founded in 2003 by proprietor Linda Blakely, who has more than twenty years' experience looking after young people in care. Care across our homes is led by responsible individual and director of care services Ricky Phelan. We have a fully experienced staff team in each location, and their knowledge and expertise is our strength, ensuring that the children and young people lead fulfilling, rich and enjoyable lives. We are dedicated, pro-active, supportive, and fun too.
Ricky Phelan
Responsible Individual & Director of Care ServicesTwenty years' experience with children and young people, a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, British Sign Language Level 2 and Makaton Level 6: a commitment to inclusive, person-centred communication and care.
Carly Keys
Registered Manager · Robinson & Sawadi HouseOver twenty years in children's residential care, the past six as a registered manager, leading teams that provide safe, nurturing and therapeutic homes where children can thrive.
Mandie Whiteford
Registered Manager · St Benets HousePart of CARE since 2017, progressing from bank support worker to registered manager. Passionate about therapeutic interventions and a person-centred approach for young people with learning disabilities.
Lilly Keys
Deputy Manager · Robinson HouseA qualified learning disability nurse, committed to child-centred care where every young person feels safe, valued and understood.
Uche Obi
Deputy Manager · St Benets HouseWith CARE since 2021, progressing from residential support worker to deputy manager. Focused on safe, nurturing, inclusive care that builds confidence and life skills.
Call the manager of the home directly. Full addresses, our Statement of Purpose and placement documentation are shared with placing authorities as part of the referral process.