New residential home could be created for Swindon children in care

Councillors will hear how Swindon Borough Council plans to invest £700,000 in order to buy and develop a property in Swindon to house local children who might otherwise be placed outside of the Borough.

As of July 2025, the Council had 310 children in its care, with 42 per cent of those children living 20 miles outside of the Borough, away from their friends, family, schools and social groups.

In a number of cases, young people who are placed away from these support networks find that once they return to their home, they have lost all connection with the area and therefore lack the skills and support required to thrive in the community. By creating this new home, less children will be separated from the town they know and love.

The proposed project will support those aged between 11 and 18, and would see the Council buy a four-bedroom property (for 3 placements and 1 for a sleep in staff member) that will be run by an external provider.

The broader vision for the home includes the development of a move-on facility for 17 and 18 year

olds, to be established so young adults leaving foster care can continue to receive support as they prepare for adulthood.

This will help the Council to meet its duties to provide homes for children in its care in a sustainable and cost-effective way. It will also help address improvements highlighted by Ofsted, which noted that there were not enough local placements for children in Swindon.

If the pilot project proves successful, additional homes and placements could be created elsewhere the Borough.

Councillor Paul Dixon, Swindon Borough Councils 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 outside of their home town, away from the friends and family they know and love. By developing this residential home, would 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. To find out more about Fostering with Swindon, and how you can provide a loving, stable home for a child in need, contact 07917 503 447 or search ‘Fostering’ on the Council’s website.”