We are seeking views on proposals for how we will inspect
supported accommodation for looked after children and care
leavers aged 16 to 17.
The consultation will provide the sector with the opportunity to
share its views on how supported accommodation should be
inspected.
The consultation runs from 10 July to 8 September 2023 and will
inform our arrangements for inspections starting in April 2024.
We began accepting applications to register providers of
supported accommodation in April 2023, when regulations came into
force. Regulation and inspection will provide essential
oversight and assess whether children in supported accommodation
are safe and well supported.
Read the consultation proposals and
have your say.
The consultation is an opportunity for providers, children, care
leavers and the wider sector to give their views on proposals
relating to inspection outcomes, the notice we give for
inspections and the main features of effective supported
accommodation.
Inspection outcomes
For the first round of inspections, we propose that there should
be 3 possible outcomes for inspections of supported
accommodation:
Consistently strong service delivery leads to typically positive
experiences and progress for children. Where improvements are
needed, leaders and managers take timely and effective action.
Inconsistent quality of service delivery adversely affects
children’s experiences and limits their progress. Leaders and
managers must make improvements.
Serious or widespread weaknesses lead to significant concerns
about the experiences and progress of children. Leaders and
managers must take urgent action to address failings.
This proposal reflects the unique context and wide scope of the
supported accommodation, providing a nuanced statement of quality
across extremely diverse provision.
As this is a newly regulated sector that does not yet have an
established benchmark for excellence, there is no outcome that
identifies exceptional practice.
We will use the learning from the first round of inspections to
inform longer-term inspection arrangements in the future,
including how we make judgements.
Notice of inspection
We propose to give 2 working days’ notice of inspection to
providers. This is the minimum notice required to deliver
effective and efficient inspections and is consistent with the
notice that we give for other ‘provider-level’ social care
inspections.
Main features of effective supported
accommodation
Our inspections of supported accommodation providers will lead to
outcomes that consider the following areas of evidence:
- overall experiences and progress of children
- how well children are helped and protected
- the effectiveness of leaders and managers
To help shape the final evaluation criteria, we want to hear
views on the main features of effective supported accommodation.
These views, in addition to existing research and the views of
care-experienced community, will help make sure inspections focus
on what makes the most difference to children living in supported
accommodation.
Read the consultation proposals and
have your say.
If you need an alternative format, please email eyregulatoryandsocialcare@ofsted.gov.uk.
Notes to editors
- A children and young person’s version of the consultation
will be published by 19 July.
