Major milestone reached as first new council-run children’s home completed

Work has been completed on the first of 10 new council-run children’s homes, marking a major milestone in Buckinghamshire Council’s programme to transform services for children in care.

Lawrence Lodge will provide a safe and nurturing home environment some of the county’s children in care. Its completion marks a significant milestone for the council as it is the first of 10 council-run children’s homes planned to open over the next two years.

With more than 500 children currently under the care of Buckinghamshire Council, many are looked after by the growing community of in-house foster carers. For children who need an alternative, the council is creating 10 in-house homes which will offer secure and nurturing placements for more than thirty vulnerable young people.

Investing in children’s homes like Lawrence Lodge allows the council to keep children and young people in care within Buckinghamshire, close to their local community and friends, one of the core aims of the transformation programme. It also creates a significant cost saving of £7.5m per year from 27/28 (when all ten homes will be up and running) by providing excellent care for our children at a lower cost than private-run children’s homes.

Ade Osibogun, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Education & Children’s Services said: “Giving our vulnerable young people the support and stability they deserve is our primary aim. Homes like Lawrence Lodge offer a safe and nurturing environment, close to everything and everyone they know, giving vital continuity and reassurance.”

Ade continued: “The opening of this home marks a major milestone in our ambitious transformation programme, ensuring better outcomes and brighter futures for all our children in care. In addition to benefits for children, these in-house homes offer significant cost savings for the council, compared to private sector placements, ensuring our resources go further to support young people."