Rochdale Council prepares to Invest in Four New Solo Children's Homes in the Borough
Rochdale, Greater Manchester – Rochdale Borough Council has approved a £900,000 investment to create four new solo children’s homes in the borough, a move designed to keep vulnerable young people closer to their communities and support networks.
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Senior councillors agreed to the funding as part of ongoing efforts to improve support for children in care and reduce the reliance on placements located far from the borough.
The capital funding will be used to convert four residential properties into solo children’s homes during the next financial year. Unlike group residential homes, which provide social interaction but are not suitable for every child, each new facility will accommodate just one young person.
These solo homes are specifically designed for children with severe and complex needs who require highly focused, intensive care. The council noted that demand for this type of provision has increased significantly as more children entering the care system have complex needs.
Tailored Support for Complex Needs
The homes will be operated directly by the council, with staff on site around the clock to support the children living there. The council emphasised that solo residential homes offer tailored support that can help children improve emotional regulation, stability, and personal safety—outcomes that may be harder to achieve in a group setting.
Currently, a shortage of suitable local placements means some children from Rochdale are living in solo residential homes outside the borough, with the furthest placement located more than 50 miles away.
The new provision will allow more children to remain within the borough, ensuring they stay close to their families, schools, and vital support networks.
Continued Investment in Local Care
This latest initiative builds on significant recent investment by the local authority. Last year, the council committed £3.4 million to fund four new residential children’s homes across the borough.
A spokesperson for the council stated that this most recent funding demonstrates the authority's commitment to keeping children in care as close to home as possible, ensuring they receive the specialist support they need within their own community.
The conversion of the four properties is expected to be completed within the next financial year.
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Senior councillors agreed to the funding as part of ongoing efforts to improve support for children in care and reduce the reliance on placements located far from the borough.
The capital funding will be used to convert four residential properties into solo children’s homes during the next financial year. Unlike group residential homes, which provide social interaction but are not suitable for every child, each new facility will accommodate just one young person.
These solo homes are specifically designed for children with severe and complex needs who require highly focused, intensive care. The council noted that demand for this type of provision has increased significantly as more children entering the care system have complex needs.
Tailored Support for Complex Needs
The homes will be operated directly by the council, with staff on site around the clock to support the children living there. The council emphasised that solo residential homes offer tailored support that can help children improve emotional regulation, stability, and personal safety—outcomes that may be harder to achieve in a group setting.
Currently, a shortage of suitable local placements means some children from Rochdale are living in solo residential homes outside the borough, with the furthest placement located more than 50 miles away.
The new provision will allow more children to remain within the borough, ensuring they stay close to their families, schools, and vital support networks.
Continued Investment in Local Care
This latest initiative builds on significant recent investment by the local authority. Last year, the council committed £3.4 million to fund four new residential children’s homes across the borough.
A spokesperson for the council stated that this most recent funding demonstrates the authority's commitment to keeping children in care as close to home as possible, ensuring they receive the specialist support they need within their own community.
The conversion of the four properties is expected to be completed within the next financial year.
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