Somerset Council is set to open three additional children’s homes thanks to a £1.5 million grant from the Department for Education (DfE), enhancing the county’s capacity to care for its most vulnerable children.
The new homes are part of the ambitious ten-year ‘Homes and Horizons Partnership’, a collaboration between Somerset Council, the Shaw Trust, and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, focused on delivering residential care and support services across the region.
Initially, the programme aimed to accommodate around 20 children across up to ten homes. By August 2023, five homes had already opened, with funding secured for three more. The recent government grant now allows the council to increase that total to 11 homes, providing even more local support.
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Councillor Heather Shearer, portfolio holder for children, families, and education, highlighted the importance of this expansion at the council’s executive meeting in Taunton on November 5. “We had planned for ten homes and were progressing with the eighth and ninth. Thanks to this funding, we can now offer 11 houses,” she said. “The goal is to improve outcomes for our children and bring more of them back into Somerset, reducing reliance on distant, costly placements and enhancing their educational opportunities.”
The £3 million investment to purchase and equip the final three homes is split evenly between the council’s previously approved borrowing and the DfE’s matching funds. Beyond residential homes, the partnership also supports higher needs foster care and is developing a therapeutic education service at two sites to assist approximately 30 young people.
Phil Curd, head of education places at Somerset Council, stressed the financial and social benefits of bringing children back home. “This isn’t new borrowing; it’s previously approved borrowing matched by government funding. By having Somerset’s children reside within the county, not only do we enhance their educational experience, but we also reduce the significant costs charged by other authorities for out-of-area placements,” he explained.
While the exact locations of the homes remain undisclosed due to safeguarding reasons, local councillor Sarah Wakefield expressed her support. “Although introducing children’s homes isn’t always popular, these facilities have settled well, and the community’s support is strong,” she stated. “Providing care and education within the county is undoubtedly the right approach, and this initiative is very welcome.”
With this funding boost, Somerset takes a significant step towards ensuring vulnerable children receive quality local care and education, strengthening the fabric of the community.