Introduction
Homes and Horizons is a unique and innovative 10-year partnership between Somerset Council, care providers Homes2inspire (part of the Shaw Trust) and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to co-design a brand new model of care for our most vulnerable looked after children.
We are working together to deliver an innovative blended set of services for more than 30 children and young people with:
- 10 residential homes for children across Somerset
- Specialist foster care provision for children with higher needs
- A brand-new therapeutic education service on two sites
This combination means that children and young people who require more in-depth help will have wraparound personalised support, a safe and welcoming home, and tailored education with expert staff experienced in mental health, therapy, and social work.
The voice of children and young people with care experience has been central in Homes and Horizons project. From the initial planning stages, right through to delivery, the stories and issues raised by Somerset children have informed every part of the process.
Our progress
The first eight homes have opened and are now supporting 16 children, one more home is going to be open in August 2026.
The first therapeutic school opened in January 2024, with a second planned for April 2026.
Our partnership was recognised nationally, winning the Municipal Journal Award for Innovation in Partnerships. See Somerset Council wins national award for groundbreaking children’s home partnership for more information.
Your involvement
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and we agree. And we believe that by working together, we can do more than just raise a child – we can change their story.
We are looking for caring and compassionate people to join us in a number of roles across Somerset, supporting local children and young people who are in care.
See our current vacancies – Shaw TrustIf you would like to know more about a high needs foster carer role, visit High needs fostering.
For more information about Homes and Horizons open vacancies, please email careers@homes2inspire.co.uk.