Fosse Way House, a residential care facility that has supported vulnerable children exclusively from Fosse Way School in Radstock for over twenty years, is set to close after Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) decided to stop placing children there. This decision has triggered an emotional end to a service widely described as “transformational” for the young people it served.
Operated in partnership between Fosse Way School and B&NES Council, Fosse Way House has maintained an Outstanding rating from Ofsted. However, the council’s recent policy shift on placement has rendered the facility financially unsustainable. A spokesperson for The Partnership Trust, which manages the service, shared that after careful consideration following the council’s decision, the trust regrettably concluded that keeping the facility open was no longer viable.
“Fosse Way House has been integral in supporting children and families for more than two decades,” the spokesperson said. “Our latest Ofsted inspection described the care and education provided as truly transformational. Unfortunately, the council’s decision not to place children in Fosse Way House has left us with very limited options.”
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The facility exclusively serves pupils enrolled at Fosse Way School, which predominantly draws students from Bath and North East Somerset. This exclusivity means alternative funding models or usage scenarios are not feasible, given the council’s new approach to placements.
Despite efforts by parents to oppose the closure, The Partnership Trust has expressed deep sadness but confirmed the decision is final. The spokesperson praised the dedicated staff, past and present, for delivering exemplary care, highlighting that the closure does not affect Fosse Way School itself, which will continue to provide education and support as usual.
“For the remainder of the academic year, operations at Fosse Way House will continue uninterrupted. While closing such a vital service is undoubtedly heartbreaking, we aim to ensure that the last weeks are filled with positivity and comprehensive support for the young people who reside there,” the statement added.
Earlier in the year, B&NES Council clarified that while Fosse Way House is registered with Ofsted, it is not registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This distinction means the facility primarily meets educational rather than health or social care needs. The council noted that ongoing annual reviews found no clear evidence that the residential provision met the evolving special educational needs of local children.
“For the academic year starting September 2025, we have not identified any children whose needs would be supported by Fosse Way House’s overnight residential provision,” the council stated. They emphasized that the decision is not financially motivated but driven by the lack of identified educational needs that align with the facility’s current model.
B&NES Council affirmed its commitment to supporting children with special educational needs through suitable local provisions and confirmed ongoing collaborations with Fosse Way School and The Partnership Trust to explore future pathways for residential care that align with the community’s requirements. Meanwhile, the school will maintain its high standards of education and care throughout this transition.