First of new community-based children's homes to open
The council says they are taking an 'innovative' approach to helping children in care stay in the county
The first of four new community-based children's homes here in Wiltshire is set to open soon.
The council says they are taking an 'innovative' approach to helping children in care stay in the county.
They'll provide places for up to a dozen young people, as part of a 10-year partnership with the Horizon Care and Education Group.
The first two homes are 50% match funded by Wiltshire Council and DfE while the third home is fully funded by Wiltshire Council and the fourth home is fully funded by Horizon Care and Education Group.
The first of these new homes, Phoenix Grove, will shortly be providing high-quality residential placements to young people in care.
Phoenix Grove will provide placements for up to four young people, and includes a high standard with a modern kitchen and dining area, lounge, games room with a pool table, and a large garden with a separate annex building for group activities and arts and crafts.
There is also a trampoline, swing set and outdoor planters where young people can grow their own vegetables.
Horizon Care and Education Group will be running the sites, with the second home called Lunar set to open later this year.
Property numbers three and four will be based in the south of the county.
Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “While we always try to place children in care with foster carers, for various reasons this is not always possible. In these situations, a children’s home can provide a safe home where young people can feel secure and are close to their education, friends and communities.
“The homes are a great example of how we are investing in services for young people to give them the best possible outcomes.
"It also demonstrates how we are investing in services to save money in the long term and safeguard our services for the future.
"By creating residential homes here in Wiltshire not only do we give young people the best possible setting in which to thrive, but we also save money on expensive private or out of county placements.
“We are pleased to be working with Horizon Care and Education Group to deliver this exciting new approach to care in Wiltshire. These are our young people and we want them to continue to be within our communities.”
Emma Carrington, Managing Director, Residential Services for Horizon Care and Education Group, said: "We look forward to opening the first of four new, beautifully designed homes for young people.
"This important milestone will be a significant step forward in our partnership with Wiltshire Council to support young people with complex needs, allowing them to remain closer to local schools, friends, and essential support networks.
"We are also excited to share that we are nearing completion of our second home, which we look forward to opening soon. These homes represent our unwavering commitment to providing a nurturing environment where young people can thrive and feel truly at home."