Stable care. Thoughtful matching.
A place to move forward.
Our children's homes provide stable, therapeutic care for young people aged 8–17 with complex needs, supporting them to move from uncertainty toward independence. We work with Local Authorities, schools and families across Birmingham, Solihull and the wider West Midlands to secure placements that are built to last and support long-term progress.
"The best place to start is right where you are."
There's No Place Like Home.
Our homes support young people who have experienced trauma, instability or challenges in previous placements or education, often alongside complex emotional and behavioural needs.
Sherlock exists to offer something more consistent. By getting placements right from the start and creating stable, supportive environments, the focus is on reducing breakdown and helping young people move forward with confidence and clarity.
Better Outcomes Brighter Futures
We focus on progress , not placements. Our goal is to help young people stabilise, re-engage and move towards independent futures.
89%
Young people show improved wellbeing
85%
Re-engage in education or training
24/7
Care and support round the clock
100+
Young people supportedeach year
Three Exceptional Homes
Each home is distinct, purposeful, and built around the young people it serves — across Birmingham and Solihull.
Grove House
Birmingham
A spacious, welcoming home designed for young people who need structure, support and therapeutic input.
Supports young people aged 8–18
Provides planned and emergency placements
Large, multi-functional space including creative and activity areas
Focus on confidence, independence and social integration
Dedicated therapeutic and educational support on-site
Rita House
Birmingham
A calm, homely setting offering stability for young people with emotional and behavioural needs.
Supports young people aged 8–18
Offers planned placements with flexibility for urgent admissions
Spacious environment with dedicated learning, relaxation and activity spaces
Strong focus on routine, relationships and wellbeing
Experienced staff trained in trauma-informed approaches
Catherine de Barnes House
Solihull
A supportive, structured home for young people who benefit from consistency and strong key worker relationships.
Located in Solihull, with access to community resources
Every young person has a dedicated key worker
Emphasis on individual care, routine and relationship-building
Regular reviews and personalised care planning
Close links with local education, health and community services
Thoughtful Matching
We do not place based on availability. Every referral is assessed to ensure the placement is right from the start, considering needs, risks, history, compatibility with the home and peer group, and the support required.We work closely with Local Authorities to build a full picture and plan transitions where possible. Placements are only agreed where there is clear alignment, as the wrong match risks further disruption.
Each placement follows a clear journey:
Understanding needs, risks and goals
Assessing fit with the home and team
Supporting a safe, structured move
Regular reviews, care planning and therapeutic input
Young people are involved throughout, with structured reviews to ensure their voice is heard and progress stays on track.
Our Approach
Our approach is both therapeutic and structured, grounded in the understanding that behaviour is communication.
We work in a trauma-informed way, focusing on building trust, safety and consistency, supported by experienced staff and clinical input. Alongside this, we maintain clear expectations and boundaries.
By understanding what sits behind behaviour and reinforcing positive choices, we help young people develop coping strategies, reduce risk and build stronger, more consistent progress over time.
Referrals
We work in partnership with Local Authorities and commissioning teams to provide placements that are safe, appropriate and sustainable. If you are considering a referral, we welcome early conversations to explore suitability and matching.
Initial discussion
Contact our referrals team to discuss the young person's needsand current situation.
Assessment
We assess suitability, considering needs, risks, compatibility and available places.
Matching decision
A placement is agreed only where there is clear fit — for the young personand the home.
Transition support
We plan and support a structured, safe move into the home.
Come and seeThe Hub in action.
Visit us, meet the team and see how Sherlock Pathways can support young people to re-engage, achieve and move forward.
For Young People.
The Hub is not like your school. It is a place where you are understood, given time to settle, and where support is built around what works for you. You will have people around you who listen, stay consistent and help you figure things out step by step.There is always a next step, and you will be supported to move toward it.
If you need support now:
IF YOU NEED SUPPORT
Raise a Safeguarding Concern.
If you are worried about a young person’s safety or wellbeing, it is important that you speak up. All concerns are taken seriously and responded to by our safeguarding team.
Our Named DSL is Hilton Mutariswa, supported by deputy safeguarding leads to ensure consistent oversight and clear escalation at all times. If a young person is in immediate danger, contact 999.
