Creating A Bespoke Residential Home for a Vulnerable Child in Northamptonshire
In a collaborative initiative, Homes2Inspire (part of Shaw Trust), Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, and West Northamptonshire Council successfully delivered a bespoke residential home tailored to the complex needs of a vulnerable 16-year-old child. Within just six months, Homes2Inspire’s mobilisation team sourced and purchased a property, secured planning permissions, and completed a comprehensive refurbishment designed to meet the specific needs of the child. This initiative not only provided a safe, stable and nurturing environment for the child but also created a future-proofed space capable of supporting up to two children, including those stepping down from Tier 4 mental health services.
The child, J, who has been in local authority care since March 2020, has had several placement moves. J has a moderate learning disability, chromosomal duplication, ADHD, and traits of autism. J exhibited significant anxiety due to his needs and life experiences. At the time of the project’s inception, J was living in an unregulated provision which was unable to meet his longer term care needs. NCT had worked tirelessly to source an appropriate home, however no offers were made available.
The four-bedroom detached home was chosen for its privacy, proximity to nature, and distance from high-traffic area. The property features three reception rooms, allowing for zoning and therapeutic spaces, as well as a large private garden backing onto woodland, offering a calming outdoor environment. Some of the changes made to the property include secure perimeter fencing, shatterproof glass, anti-ligature fittings, soundproofing and sensory-friendly design elements. On top of this, the bedroom of the child was painted green, which is J’s favourite colour.
A dedicated adult care team has been recruited and trained to provide consistent, trauma-informed support. The home includes staff rest areas, waking night accommodation, and observation zones to ensure safety and responsiveness. The home was designed to meet all current Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) requirements and is fully prepared for Ofsted registration. Monitoring systems and secure incident reporting protocols, prioritise safeguarding and transparency throughout the home.
This project marks the 54th organically mobilised home by Homes2Inspire and sets a new benchmark for responsive, child-centred homes for children.
J is thriving in his new home, providing him with a regulated, therapeutic environment tailored to his individual needs.
The collaboration between Homes2Inspire (part of Shaw Trust) and Northamptonshire Children’s Trust demonstrates a replicable model of strategic partnering. By placing the child’s needs at the heart of what we do, this project has transformed a child’s life—offering hope, stability, and a pathway to a brighter future. Through innovation and collaboration, we can drive system change and create lasting social impact.
