Recent years have seen an apparent increase in the use of unregulated and unregistered provision for children in care and care leavers with growing concern about the quality of some placements.
It has long been accepted practice for councils to place older looked-after children and care leavers in accommodation that is not regulated by Ofsted.
Such unregulated provision - mainly supported living - can provide a valuable stepping stone for young people on their journey to independence.
However, an increase in the number of older children coming into care means there is a shortage of placements in some areas.
Supply and demand
A mismatch in supply and demand for all types of care placement may also be a factor in increased use of unregistered provision - settings providing care as well as accommodation that should be registered with Ofsted as children's homes but are not.
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