Special education and care provider The Aurora Group has appointed Graham Baker as its chairperson to work alongside chief executive Mark Costello, who was promoted from performance director last August.

Baker has extensive sector leadership experience, most recently as chief executive of Outcomes First Group, a provider of learning, life skills, and therapeutic care for people with complex needs, including autism.

The Aurora Group was established in 2015 and is owned by investor group Octopus Real Estate. It provides 14 services and said it aims to open 150 new places annually to provide local authorities with provision for children and young people. Two schools, one each in Surrey and Gloucestershire, are due to open this year.

Baker said: “Aurora has a growing reputation for delivering high-quality services, something I am passionate about. It is owned and managed by investors and directors who are ambitious for young people, their families and the communities they live in. I look forward to working with an innovative, young company to further enhance that reputation.”

Costello added: “Despite the challenges facing the sector in the past year, Aurora has implemented initiatives that are at the heart of our strategic approach such as leadership, staff wellbeing and training and development opportunities. As a result, we have seen children, young people and adults in our care continue to thrive. Today Aurora is in a stronger position than ever before with a clear strategy for growth, we look forward to building our business with Graham as part of our team.”