PLANS have been put forward to create two new city council-run children’s homes.
The proposals would see seven new places created for children who need residential care in Leicester, focusing on young people with the most complex needs.
This extra capacity would reduce the council’s reliance on expensive out-of-area placements, and would take the total number of places in local children’s homes to 47.
The places would be created by converting an existing council-owned property in the Evington area of the city, and by purchasing some land in Enderby, with a development agreement in place for a new children’s home to be built there.
The total costs of the project have been calculated at £4.16million - £1.3million for the conversion of the property in Evington, and £2.86million for the development of a new home in Enderby. It is proposed that the money comes from the council’s capital budget and from a £1.9million grant which has already been secured from the Department for Education to put towards the development of the two new homes.
The council’s capital budget is money that is used for one-off costs such as building and infrastructure projects.
Assistant city mayor for children and young people, Cllr Elaine Pantling, said: “We’re very lucky to have extremely dedicated, experienced staff who work in our children’s homes in Leicester and a great track record of running our own homes, so it makes sense to bring more provision in-house.
“This makes us less reliant on expensive, private placements away from the city. It means we can provide local, specialist support to those children and young people who need it most.
“These new homes will allow more of our looked-after children to continue to live locally and stay connected to their friends, families and local communities.”
While most children who are looked after by councils live locally in foster care households, the number living in children’s homes has increased both locally and nationally. This is partly because of the complex needs of some of the children entering care, who may need extra support to keep them safe.
The city council has a strong track record of managing high-quality children’s residential homes that are increasingly supporting children with more complex needs, with all of the council’s homes rated either good or outstanding by Ofsted.
A decision on the proposals is due to be taken by the city mayor on 16th October.