CYP Now - Ofsted warns over lack of children's home provision

A lack of children’s homes across England and Wales has led to more young people living in unregulated provision or far away from their homes, Ofsted has warned.

Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman said, despite concerns, the report showed "positive developments". Picture: Adobe Stock

There are currently 78,150 children in care - 12 per cent more than in 2015 - and despite numbers of providers and places increasing, this is "not always in line with the increase in numbers of children in care", the report warns.

From August 2018, the system saw a six per cent (131) increase in the number of homes but a one per cent (176) increase in the number of beds, it states.

The report raises concerns over a lack of children’s homes in the south of England and London with higher proportions in the North West, East Midlands and West Midlands. The North West saw an increase of 60 homes (11 per cent) but the South East saw a decrease of nine homes (three per cent).

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