Plymouth’s first Council-run children’s home set to open soon
Children in care will receive local support closer to family and community
Plymouth’s first Council-run residential home for children in care is set to open in the coming months after the Council purchased its first property dedicated to providing short-term support for young people.
The home, whose location has not been disclosed for privacy reasons, will cater for two to three children at a time, offering tailored care and support to help them transition either back home or into foster families. The team working at the home will be available 24/7 and include trained practitioners and a dedicated Registered Manager.
This marks a significant step for Plymouth, which has not had council-run residential provision for many years. It aims to reduce reliance on out-of-area placements that often take children far from their families and support networks. Plymouth’s new approach focuses on keeping children within their local community, with better stability and improved long-term outcomes as key priorities.
Expanding children’s care provision in Plymouth
The Council’s programme is part of a broader commitment to providing care closer to home. Additional homes are planned across the city, creating a network of family-like environments.
The aim is to help children thrive within nurturing settings while actively maintaining their links to friends, family, schools, and local activities. According to the Council, all of Plymouth’s new homes will be designed to resemble typical family residences, offering a warm and secure environment for children.
Cllr Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “The purchase of this home is a hugely positive moment for Plymouth’s children.
“Every child deserves a safe, stable, and nurturing home and, crucially, one that keeps them connected to the people and places that matter to them.”
She added that the new provision will also reduce reliance on costly external placements.
Fostering options in Plymouth
While the new homes will meet the needs of some children requiring specialist care, the city remains committed to placing children in family-based settings wherever possible. Plymouth continues to actively recruit carers for its Foster for Plymouth service.
To become a foster carer, applicants must be over 21, have a spare bedroom, and show a genuine commitment to supporting young people. For further details on fostering opportunities in Plymouth, visit fosterforplymouth.co.uk.