Children's home provision and placement sufficiency within Lincolnshire

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding children's home provision and placement sufficiency within Lincolnshire, with particular focus on the Holbeach and South Holland area.

Our organisation is exploring opportunities to support Lincolnshire County Council's sufficiency strategy through the development of a children's home provision and would be grateful for the following data to better understand local needs and placement pressures.

Please could you provide the following information:

1. Children's Homes in Lincolnshire

a. The number of Ofsted-registered children's homes currently operating within Lincolnshire.

b. A breakdown of the number of homes by district (particularly South Holland / Holbeach area).

c. The total registered capacity (number of children these homes can collectively accommodate).

2. Children Placed by Lincolnshire County Council (LCC)**
a. The total number of children currently looked after by Lincolnshire County Council.

b. The number of children placed within the county and the number placed outside the county. 

Of those placed outside the county, how many are placed:

i) within 20 miles of the Lincolnshire boundary, and

ii) more than 30 miles from the Lincolnshire boundary.

3. Children from Other Authorities Placed in Lincolnshire

a. The number of children placed in Lincolnshire by other local authorities (out-of-county placements).

b. If available, the number specifically within the South Holland / Holbeach area.

4. Unregulated / Unregistered Placements

a. The number of children currently placed by Lincolnshire County Council in unregulated or unregistered placements.

b. The average duration of such placements (if available).

5. Future Planning and Sufficiency

a. A copy of, or link to, Lincolnshire County Council's most recent Children's Sufficiency Strategy or equivalent planning document.

b. Any known gaps in provision identified by the Council (e.g., solo placements, complex needs, crisis, or step-down placements).

6. Commissioning / Provider Engagement

a. Details of how new providers can join the open select list or preferred provider framework for children's residential care.

b. Whether there is a current or upcoming tender, Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), or other commissioning route for such services.
 

1a. 54

b. Boston-2

East Lindsey – 5

Lincoln – 3

North Kesteven – 6

South Holland – 19

South Kesteven - 13

West Lindsey – 6

c. 238

2a. 822

b. 256

i) 165

ii) 52

3a. 677

b. 122

4a. 4

b. 134

5a.https://professionals.lincolnshire.gov.uk/children%E2%80%99s-commissioning

b. The above referenced hyperlink also includes a link to the latest Market Position Statement. 

6a. The above referenced page includes more information about the Open Select List, including a supplier guide and standard templates (specifications, terms and conditions etc.).

The most recent re-opening of the Open Select List closed week ending 17 October 2025.

b. The Open Select List runs until 31 August 2027 when it will be replaced. It is uncertain what form the replacement will take. More details about planned procurement will be published on the Find A Tender service https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Search