A calm, structured home in Sudbury for up to seven children with learning disabilities and complex needs, built around routine, communication and sensory aware care.
Oak Tree House supports children with learning disabilities, including children who are autistic and children with limited or non verbal communication.
Communication comes first here. Staff use each child's own methods, from Makaton to picture exchange systems and visual supports, so that every child has a voice in their own care. How a child communicates shapes everything, from their daily routine to how we plan their admission.
Every placement starts with a matching and impact assessment. We look at the needs of the child being referred and the needs of the children already living here, and we only proceed where the match works for everyone. Admissions are planned carefully, and each child is given the time they need to settle.
Bed capacity
7
Years old
4 to 18
Ofsted rating
Good
Location
Sudbury
“
Communication was excellent. Information is shared openly and transparently, and the relationship feels collaborative and based on mutual respect.
“
They don't rely only on what she can tell them verbally. They look at her behaviour and what they already know about her, and use that to advocate for what she needs.
“
Staff do not treat children with similar diagnoses as though they are all the same. They think about age, development, emotional need, identity and relationships when deciding how best to support each child.
“
His communication has improved significantly and I see a much happier child. Looking back, I believe it was the right decision for him.
“
The manager is a good advocate for children. She is confident to challenge placing authorities and professionals to ensure that children have access to the support and services that they require.
“
The manager has been instrumental in embedding a child-centred culture.
“
Staff use helpful communication tools to give the children a voice.
“
The newly renovated home is well thought out and decorated to a high standard.
Photography for this home is on the way.
We are adding images of the home as they are taken. In the meantime, ask us for a visit.
Quiet, low-stimulation rooms for regulation and rest, alongside comfortable living areas and an accessible, equipped kitchen.
A safe, sensory garden for unwinding outdoors, with calm seating areas and space to explore nature at each child's own pace.
Well connected by nearby bus and train routes, making family visits, appointments and outings easy to plan.
Close to local leisure facilities and green spaces, supporting gentle community integration and an active, healthy routine.
Each of our homes is led by its own Ofsted-registered manager, supported by deputies and overseen by Operations Managers who work across the group. Leadership in our homes is not remote: managers know every child by name, and the group's founders remain involved in every home, every week.
Consistency first
Children here do best with predictable routines, familiar faces and clear communication, and the whole staffing model is built around that.
Interests taken seriously
If a child loves to dance, staff dance with them, every day if that is what the routine needs. Small things, done consistently, are how trust is built.
Key working and review
Every child has a key worker, and the team reviews each child's plan, routines and strategies in regular key working meetings, adjusting as the child develops.
Make a referral to:
referrals@ablehealthcare.co.ukWe respond within one working day.
We tell you quickly if we are not the right match.
The child referred, and the children already here.
Visits first, then a transition built around the child.
Send a referral, a question or a placement enquiry to our referrals team and we will respond within one working day.
Oak Tree House is rated Good by Ofsted in all three judgement areas at its most recent full inspection.
An independent visitor also inspects the home every month under Regulation 44 of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and reports directly to Ofsted and our Responsible Individual.
All our homes are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted
Members of
