GMCA commits to its bold new regional approach to children's care
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has launched the country's first Regional Care Cooperative (RCC), a programme designed to deliver a pioneering new regional approach to planning, commissioning and delivering children’s care.
The RCC comes after a successful 12-month pathfinder programme, funded by the Department for Education, to look at how to improve services and support for the most vulnerable children in our communities.
Greater Manchester was one of only two regions awarded this funding in early 2024, building on its well-established Children’s Sufficiency Programme that supports improvements in the social care sector.
The RCC pathfinder has provided a unique opportunity to further increase placement availability across Greater Manchester, improve outcomes for children in care, and build on the foundations which will allow Greater Manchester Local Authorities to better plan and forecast demand.
Given the success of this new collaborative approach, the GMCA will now fund the programme for a further 12 months.
Work will continue to build on the success of the pathfinder. Projects include:
- A forecasting tool to allow a data-led approach to placement trends and supply gaps across Greater Manchester.
- Skyline - a collaborative residential care service comprising of 10 new homes for children and young people across the city region, working with partners from across Local Authorities and the NHS
- New foster care capacity creating over 40 new bedrooms through a property refurbishment and renovation project called Room Makers
- Engagement with care experienced young people to shape the future of the Regional Care Cooperative
- A workforce recruitment campaign to encourage more people to explore a career in residential children’s homes and development of a progression pathway through residential care.
- New commercial arrangements with providers to harness the buying power of the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities to achieve better value for money
Minister for Children and Families, Janet Daby said: "All young people deserve a safe and loving home, and this programme gives those in care the stability they need to achieve and thrive in placements decided in their best interests.
“Through our Plan for Change we’re committed to reforming children’s social care – breaking down barriers to opportunity for young people and improving their life chances. It’s brilliant to see the success of Greater Manchester’s work continue, putting young people at the heart of the changes that keep them close to vital support networks.”
“This work forms a key part of our ambition to break down barriers to opportunity and give all children a safe, loving home, as we prioritise reform across children’s social care.”
Councillor Mark Hunter, Portfolio Lead for Children and Young People at the GMCA said: “We constantly strive for better outcomes for all children and young people across Greater Manchester, particularly those that are placed in care. We are committed to working in collaboration with our partners to improve their experience of the care system and ensuring they are given every opportunity to lead successful, healthy lives they deserve.
"In Greater Manchester we’re doing things differently and reforming the way we plan, commission and deliver services to help tackle some of the biggest issues facing children's services across the country.”
Article Published: 23/04/2025 14:46 PM