Swindon Borough Council is set to consider plans this week (10 Sep) for a new council-owned children’s home designed to keep more young people in care close to their families, schools and support networks.
The Council is proposing to invest £700,000 to purchase and develop a four-bedroom property within Swindon. The home would provide three placements for children aged 11–18, alongside accommodation for a staff member. It would be run by an external provider on behalf of the Council.
The move comes as Swindon continues to face challenges in finding local placements. As of July 2025, the Borough had 310 children in its care, with 42% placed more than 20 miles away. For many, this distance means losing touch with family, friends and familiar surroundings, making it harder to reintegrate when they return home.
In addition to the main children’s home, the Council’s longer-term vision includes creating a “move-on” facility to support 17- and 18-year-olds as they prepare for independent living after foster care.
The project is also expected to help the Council meet recommendations from Ofsted, which has previously raised concerns over the shortage of local placements. If successful, the pilot could be expanded with further homes across the Borough.
Councillor Paul Dixon, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said:
“With around 300 children in our care, we know we simply don’t have enough foster carers in Swindon, so many children are placed away from the friends and family they know and love. By developing this residential home, we’ll be able to keep more children local, which is vital to their wellbeing. If approved, I look forward to seeing this plan progress and seeing the young people feel welcomed to their new home.
“I also urge anyone who thinks they can provide a loving home to a local child to reach out to our fostering team.”
Those interested in fostering can call 07917 503 447 or search “Fostering” on the Council’s website.
