Care Review could prompt changes to children’s social care inspections, Ofsted says
Fiona Simpson
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Ofsted will review its children’s social care inspections based on recommendations made by the Care Review, the inspectorate has said.
Publishing its five-year strategy for 2022 to 2027, Ofsted states that “proportionate and risk-based” regulation of children’s social care “is critical in ensuring good outcomes for children”.
Setting out its priorities over the next five years, the inspectorate says it will review its children’s social care inspections “in light of the recommendations of the independent care review”, which are expected to be published in late May or early June.
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The regulation and registration of supported accommodation for children in care aged 16 and over is also listed as a priority in the strategy following the result of a public consultation on unregulated accommodation for young people.
“By setting clear expectations at registration, we will improve the quality of provision entering the sector and reduce the need for future monitoring and enforcement”, it states.
Ofsted is also working with the Department for Education to “toughen the law to increase its oversight” of unregistered settings by 2023, in line with the outcomes of the consultation, it adds.
National standards for supported accommodation for children aged 16 to 18 are expected to be published ahead of changes to legislation around such settings.
The inspectorate's strategy also includes plans to increase monitoring of support for care leavers by local authorities, as previously reported by CYP Now, and carry out “rigorous research and analysis” on sufficiency in children’s social care amid concerns over a shortage of affordable children’s home places and foster care placements.
Amanda Spielman, Ofsted’s chief inspector, said the inspectorate’s role has “never been more important”.
“Both education and social care are under great pressure, grappling with the effects of the pandemic, lockdowns and restrictions on children and young people: their education, their social development, their physical and mental health, and their welfare.
“We will continue to play our part in this recovery phase, working as always for children to raise standards and improve lives,” she said.
