DfE group to draft standards for unregulated accommodation, minister confirms

Vicky Ford laid out the group’s membership and mandate in response to a parliamentary question submitted by former children’s minister and MP for East Worthing and Shoreham Tim Loughton.

Loughton called for the members of the group – which was first revealed by CYP Now – to be named, after it drew criticism from sector leaders surrounding its “secrecy” and lack of involvement of care-experienced people.

In her response Ford confirmed the group’s three-point mandate:

1. Support the development and drafting of new national standards for semi-independent provision for children in care.
2. Further develop our evidence regarding the use of these placements for under-16s.
3. Advise on what should be taken account of when considering the implementation of the results of the consultation.

The minister also confirmed organisations represented in the group, which is chaired by Sir Alan Wood.

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Ford said those involved “represent some of those directly involved in the delivery of the proposed reforms”.

They include:

• Association of Directors of Children’s Services
• Independent Children’s Home Association
• Association of Chief Police Officers
• National Youth Advocacy Service
• Ofsted
• Commissioning Alliance
• Partners in Practice Local Authorities
• Local Government Association
• Providers of unregulated accommodation

The minister insisted the group was “one way” of “seeking the views of as many people as possible who are affected by the proposed reforms”.

She said: “The consultation is open until 8 April 2020 and we welcome responses from anyone who wishes to contribute. The task and finish group’s work, including supporting development of new minimum standards, will be informed by consultation responses and it will report after the consultation has closed.”

Speaking to CYP Now, Wood moved to allay concerns that the group is secretive and ignoring the views of the care experienced movement.

However, campaigners have rejected government proposals made at the launch of the consultation, including to ban the use of unregulated accommodation solely for under-16s.

A coalition of organisations have hit back with a “Keep Caring for Children to 18” campaign.