CYP Now - Key Data: Sufficiency and cost of care places

On 31 March 23, there were 3,119 children’s homes of all types registered to provide 13,528 places. This represents a 9% rise in homes and 5% rise in places compared to the year before, according to DfE data.

On average, children’s homes have four places. Picture: Geerte/Adobe Stock

However, Ofsted’s annual report highlights that homes continue to open disproportionately in some parts of England – for example, 26% are clustered in the North West – and do not directly correlate to where there is the greatest need.

Available placements

On average, children’s homes have four places. However, while there has been a 35% rise in the number of homes since 2019, the number of places has risen by just 12% from 12,035 to 13,528 in 2023. Ofsted says this is because of the rise in smaller homes and the growing complexity of children’s needs which means some children must be accommodated in homes on their own.

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