Residential childcare provider Pebbles Care has acquired BDT Care Solutions, which operates four homes for children and young people in South Lanarkshire and Dumfries and Galloway, Bdaily News has reported.

Pebbles chief executive Chris Strong said: “We are very proud of our track record in providing therapeutic and bespoke residential childcare and education in homes across the UK. BDT Care Solutions aligns seamlessly with our mission to create a positive impact in the lives of children and young people and this acquisition helps extend our reach of providing safe and loving spaces for them to call home.

Pebbles also announced it is opening two new homes in Yorkshire this year: a single occupancy residence in Leeds and a two-bed residence in Pontefract.

Strong said: “These new homes further enhance Pebbles’ capacity to provide safe and supportive environments to children and young people while also providing exciting career advancement opportunities to the existing team.”

Pebbles is also opening a new school in the Northeast by the end of the year, and another in the Northwest early next year.

Strong added: “With these developments, Pebbles’ offering will soon include 51 loving homes and four independent schools across Scotland and England, solidifying its position as a leading provider of therapeutic residential childcare and education in the UK. 2024 promises to be a year of growth and achievement at Pebbles for both its young people and its dedicated team of professionals.”