Introducing national standards for unregulated accommodation

We asked for views on a proposed suite of national standards for providers of semi-independent provision for looked after children and care leavers aged 16 & 17 and how these settings should in future be regulated by Ofsted.

Many respondents agreed that the proposed national standards covered the right areas. The main themes identified for further consideration covered: providing more detail on training and qualifications that will be required; introducing requirements around pre-placement visits and interviews; and, further strengthening the standards on accommodation and support. Respondents also gave views on the advantages and disadvantages of a provider level and individual-setting level Ofsted registration and inspection regime.   

We will introduce mandatory national standards and provider level Ofsted registration and inspection of these placements. We will publish a copy of the national standards in early 2022, which will provide further detail and take into account the feedback received through the consultation. Ofsted will begin registering providers from April 2023, with the national standards becoming mandatory in Autumn 2023. Ofsted will begin inspections from April 2024.