Cornwall Council Buys Carnon Downs Home to Keep Children in County

A five-bedroom house near Carnon Downs is about to take on a new role. Cornwall Council has bought the property and plans to turn it into a children’s home, part of a wider effort to look after vulnerable young people inside the county rather than sending them miles away. The change could also save local taxpayers up to £1.3 million a year.

The Carnon Downs home will work alongside another property the council already owns in the Liskeard area. Each will house three young people who need to be brought into care.

A first for Cornwall Council

Until now the council has only ever directly run residential children’s homes for disabled children. These two properties mark the first time it will own and operate homes for children who do not have disabilities.

Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools, said: “Looking after our children in care, and ensuring they have the best facilities and opportunities, is of the utmost importance which is why I am so pleased we have made the decision to buy and convert this property into a children’s home.

“Historically, we have only ever directly provided residential children’s homes for disabled children so this will represent the first time we’ve owned and run homes for children who do not have disabilities.”

Why keeping children in Cornwall matters

The shift means fewer children will end up in expensive, privately run homes, most of which sit outside Cornwall. The council says local placements will improve children’s quality of life while cutting the cost to the taxpayer by as much as £1.3 million a year.

Staying close to home also lets children continue with their education and keep in contact with family and friends where possible.

“Directly provided children’s homes create a safe and stable home for children and young people who have experienced trauma and abuse,” Cllr Frank said. “Being local, they also enable children to continue with their education and maintain contact with their families and friends where possible.”

Specialist support on hand

Children placed in the homes will receive specialist wraparound services and support from a multi-disciplinary team, known as an MDT. The team can also help a young person reunite with their family or move into foster care or supported living.

“This continuity of care will result in children feeling less isolated and more cherished by professionals who are invested in their care and willing to go the extra mile for them,” Cllr Frank added.

The decision follows last year’s placement sufficiency strategy, Better Homes for Children, Young People and Families in Cornwall, which set out the rising need for more registered children’s homes across the county.

What happens next

The council’s children and families team has secured Change of Use permission through Cornwall Council’s planning process. Before either home can open, both the Carnon Downs property and the one in Liskeard will have to be inspected and registered by the government regulator, Ofsted.