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Silver Birch Care (Holdings) Limited has expanded its specialist therapeutic care portfolio with the acquisition of Clover Childcare Services Limited, one of Norfolk’s leading providers of therapeutic residential care and education

On Friday 28^th November 2025, Silver Birch Care (Holdings) Limited (SBCHL) acquired leading Norfolk-based care provider Clover Childcare Services Limited (CCSL).

CCSL was founded in 2007 by Kath Laidlaw and Dan Knight, and specialises in therapeutic re-parenting, assessment and therapy for children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences, including trauma, loss, neglect, and abuse. They currently operate four homes with a total of 16 beds, as well as their own 22-place school, all based in Norfolk.

Their aim is to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can begin to heal, rebuild trust, and develop emotional resilience through consistent, relationship-focused care.

CCSL has been one of only two Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) Certified Organisations in the UK since 2023, reflecting its commitment to trauma-informed, attachment-focused care across all areas of its work. At the heart of its approach are also the principles of the PACE attitude, with these values helping guide every interaction and support children to feel seen, heard, and understood.

With over 50 years of combined experience across both local authority and independent sectors, Kath and Dan have built a service that is both comprehensive and deeply rooted in therapeutic practice, offering lasting support to children and their families.

SBCHL is proud to welcome CCSL as its sixth specialist branch within the group, which now possesses over 20 years of combined experience across its provisions. CCSL will retain its identity, its approach and the culture that makes it such a special place for the children and young people it supports.

SBCHL CEO Karim Lalani commented: “We feel privileged to have been entrusted with taking on the next chapter of CCSL, and are excited to welcome them with open arms as part of our family. We are committed to protecting everything that makes CCSL special, while working together to ensure we can thrive together into the future.”

SBCHL is also very pleased that former Director Dan Knight will remain in post to ensure continuity and support throughout this transition. He added: “SBCHL is a values-driven organisation with a strong record of supporting therapeutic, child-centred services. They share Clover’s ethos, our focus on relationships, and our commitment to restoring and enriching children’s lives. By joining a wider family that understands and respects our approach, Clover will be strengthened, not changed, and will benefit from the additional resources, expertise and strategic support that SBCHL can offer.” Whilst former Director Kath Laidlaw will be stepping down into retirement, we are pleased that she will remain in touch and continue to be part of the CCSL community.

This acquisition marks an important step in SBCHL’s commitment to expanding high-quality therapeutic care across the UK.

SBCHL would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who helped make this acquisition possible, including the Anthony Collins team led by Abbey and Laura; long-standing trusted accountants and advisers from TC Group, Sadik and Fidahussein; adviser Paul; Dan, Kath and their team at CCSL; and the fantastic team at SBCHL led by Karim, Phil, Alison and Tim.

Our parent group, Silver Birch Care (Holdings) Limited, is proud to support Kijana Kwanza — a non-profit charity in Moshi, Tanzania — through funding, hands-on staff visits, and a £5,000+ Kilimanjaro fundraiser.

SBC Residential Services is proud to support Kijana Kwanza, a non-profit charity located in Moshi, Tanzania. The organisation focuses on orphaned children and vulnerable youth, working to enhance their access to education, vocational training, and life skills development to help them escape poverty.

The partnership commenced in 2024 when CEO Karim Lalani travelled to Tanzania and connected with Kijana Kwanza’s team and beneficiaries. During his visit, he delivered a seminar for vocational students addressing the economic and social challenges affecting young Tanzanians.

Following this visit, SBC Residential Services committed to funding construction of a new children’s home that will offer emergency shelter to orphans and street children. The facility will address their physical, mental, emotional, and social needs through healthcare access, quality education, and recreational programmes, while also training foster parents and strengthening community networks.

Direct staff support, October 2025

In October 2025, staff members travelled to Tanzania to provide direct support. Drawing on their UK-based experience, they offered pastoral assistance, educational programming, and life skills instruction. The team also facilitated workshops and seminars enhancing vocational training and community development alongside local partners.

The visit included recreational activities such as trips to the Chagga Museum, waterfalls, and time spent at Farmer John’s farm with the children.

Climbing Kilimanjaro for the cause

Several team members subsequently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro over six days to raise funds and awareness. Together, they surpassed £5,000 in fundraising to support Kijana Kwanza’s educational and care programmes.

“It’s been an amazing and life-changing experience.” — Olivia, SBC staff member

You can read more on the SBC Residential Services site: sbc-residential.com/kijana-kwanza.

Clover Childcare Services, as part of the wider Silver Birch Care Holdings group, is a proud member of The Children’s Homes Association — uniting local authorities, providers and stakeholders to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Clover Childcare Services, as part of the wider Silver Birch Care Holdings group, is proud to be a member of The Children’s Homes Association (CHA) — the only source of comprehensive guidance, representation and support for providers of residential childcare throughout England and Wales.

The CHA works to transform the lives of children and young people in residential care by uniting local authorities, providers, and stakeholders to address sector challenges and drive improvements for the most vulnerable. It ensures government and regulators understand the day-to-day realities of providing therapeutic, child-centred care, and advocates for policy changes that benefit children and the people who look after them.

Why this matters for our young people

Our work at Clover Lodge, The Old Rectory, Oxcroft and Calthorpe is built on relationships, trauma-informed practice, and the values of DDP and PACE. Being part of the CHA means we share our experience with — and learn from — providers across the country, so our approach continues to evolve and improve.

The CHA is founded on principles of collective strength: shared knowledge, collaboration, and genuine partnership working, so members can deliver the best possible care.

More information is available on the Association’s website: the-cha.org.uk.