CYP Now - Ofsted to have say in youth custody for under-13s

Ofsted will advise the Department for Education on whether to place under-13s in secure units as part of a range of responsibilities featured in a document outlining its responsibilities.

Under the memorandum of understanding, Ofsted will advise ministers on a range of issues relating to secure children’s homes (SCHs).

Currently, local authorities must obtain the approval of the Secretary of State before placing a child under the age of 13 in an SCH.

However, the document states that in order to give requests the “full and careful consideration they deserve”, the DfE policy team will require professional advice from Ofsted prior to making a decision.

The document also states that Ofsted will decide which notifications of serious incidents should be flagged up to the Secretary of State.

Ofsted will also take responsibility for the approval of premises for use as SCHs, based on whether accommodation meets required standards.

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