A new children’s home could open in Wichelstowe next year as Swindon Borough Council tries to reduce the number of vulnerable young people in its care who are having to live miles away from their families and schools.
The Council has submitted a planning application to convert a recently purchased four-bedroom house into a home for up to three children aged between eight and 17.
The property was bought after councillors approved plans last year to increase the number of residential homes available locally for children in care.
The proposed home would provide a family-style environment for young people who need residential care, with accommodation also provided for staff staying overnight.
If planning permission is granted, the home is expected to open in 2027 and will be run by an experienced external provider. Both the home and its operator will be regulated by Ofsted.
The move comes as the Council faces a shortage of suitable local placements.
As of July 2026, there were 357 children in Swindon’s care, with around 48 per cent currently living more than 20 miles outside the borough.
For those children, being placed outside Swindon can mean being separated from family and friends and having to attend schools away from their existing support networks.
The Council says the Wichelstowe home will give children the opportunity to attend local schools, join clubs and activities and build relationships with trusted adults while remaining part of their local community.
Councillor Kate Tomlinson, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: “Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable and supportive environment, close to the people and communities that matter most to them.
“Too many children in our care currently have to move away from Swindon because suitable homes simply aren’t available locally. That can mean being further away from family, friends, schools and the support networks that help young people thrive.”
She said purchasing the property and converting it would deliver on the Council’s commitment to increase local provision.
The Council also expects the move to reduce its reliance on more expensive out-of-borough placements.
Councillor Tomlinson added: “Children living in residential care are first and foremost children who need stability, support and the opportunity to succeed.
“This home will provide young people with a chance to build positive relationships, attend local schools and participate in community life. We want these children to feel part of their community and have the same opportunities as any other child growing up in Swindon.”
The planning application will now go through the usual planning process before a decision is made.
