Greater Manchester chosen to pioneer reformed care model for children and young people

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has been chosen as one of two pathfinders by the Department of Education to implement bold regional approaches to planning, commissioning and delivering children's care. This is yet another significant vote of confidence in Greater Manchester's ability to pioneer new approaches when tackling the biggest civic challenges.

Greater Manchester's role as a Regional Care Cooperative (RCC) pathfinder area, supported by government funding, will help bring the transformative ‘Project Skyline' to life. This project aims to create at least ten new children's homes in the city-region, carefully designed to support children with complex mental health needs, those at risk of exploitation, and those awaiting foster care placements. With the first property in Bury secured and four more in progress, Skyline will begin welcoming children in early 2025.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “What we're increasingly seeing is central government coming to Greater Manchester as their partner of choice to tackle these knotty, complex challenges.

“Central to our approach here is putting children and young people themselves at the centre of how we design and shape this work. We recognise that when things go wrong in a young person's life, it's rarely about just one thing.

"This is a complicated issue and we are offering a groundbreaking solution in providing stable, loving homes for our children and young people. This marks the start of a step-change in children's care, one that ensures every child in Greater Manchester has the support they need to thrive.”

Only last week, central government pledged to crack down on exploitative care providers making excessive profits from the provision of care for vulnerable young people. With 6,105 children and young people in care across the city-region and rising costs associated with the current system, this also marks a major step in supporting the government's commitment to reducing excessive private sector profits in children's care. 

This approach addresses the national shortage of homes that can lead to children being placed far from their communities, which creates instability and financial strain on councils. By prioritising collaboration with local authorities, health services, and community partners, Greater Manchester is showcasing a shift in how children's care is delivered.

• Transforming residential care: Skyline demonstrates how investing in locally run homes can replace the reliance on profit-driven private companies, keeping care costs manageable and consistent.
• Enhancing mental health support: In partnership with the NHS, the project addresses the complex mental health challenges faced by children and young people, reducing strain on healthcare services.
• Creating lasting change: This approach puts the needs of children first, ensuring every young person has access to a safe, supportive environment they can call home.

Councillor Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council and GMCA Portfolio Lead for Children and Young People, said: “With more children needing foster care than ever, we know the system needs real change, and we're ready to take it on as part of our transformation on how we care for children and young people. Any support from the government is a welcome boost, and Greater Manchester is in a strong position to lead the way.

“Our focus is on putting children first, cutting unnecessary costs, and cracking down on exploitative practices in the system. Only last week, I attended an event celebrating our work to become the first ‘Fostering Friendly' city region in the UK. This means employees across all ten local authorities will get extra support and time off if they foster, making it easier for families to step up and help.

“We'll keep working with our partners to make sure every child in Greater Manchester gets the care and opportunities they deserve.”

Greater Manchester is also a national pathfinder for fostering services. By focusing on local, family-based care and streamlining the recruitment process for foster carers, the city-region is creating a more sustainable and compassionate care system.

Anyone curious about fostering can access advice and information from a growing community of local council foster carers and support workers at www.fosterforgm.com.

Through a combination of local expertise and Department for Education funding, the city-region is setting a new standard for sustainable, compassionate care that works for children, families, and local authorities.