Children's homes providers demand scrapping of new quality standards

In a strongly worded statement, residential children’s home body the Independent Children’s Home Association (ICHA), said in their current form the standards, which come into force today, are unworkable due to a lack of clarity.

ICHA chief executive Jonathan Stanley said the organisation is still having to ask questions of government to “get clarification on a lengthening list of matters” but has been unsuccessful in persuading children’s minister Edward Timpson of the need to overhaul them.

Stanley said: “With the start of the quality standards today is the start of an intensely worrying time for residential child care in England.

"The ICHA will be seeking an early meeting with the new [children's] minister for their speedy replacement.”

In the absence of  “a clear description” of the roles and tasks of children’s homes and its workers, providers and inspectors are having to interpret the new standards themselves, Stanley added.

The ICHA is also concerned that the government has not provided reference points to help homes and inspectors interpret the standards.

In addition “there is no methodology for its creation,” added Stanley.

Under the new standards children’s homes will have to show inspectors how they are supporting children to achieve positive outcomes.

Staff will also be expected to liaise with children’s teachers and help with homework.

Basic fitness requirement checks on directors and trustees of private and voluntary sector providers will also be needed.

Last month a government study into the introduction of the new standards will leave each provider facing a bill of £530,000 in extra costs each year.