Children’s social care providers: Fees and inspections 2023-24

Closed 18 Jan 2023

Opened 30 Nov 2022

Contact

FeesandFrequency.CONSULTATION@education.gov.uk

Feedback updated 3 Mar 2023

We asked

We asked for views on our proposals to make changes to fees for children’s social care providers and to set a minimum inspection frequency for the secure children’s homes element of secure 16-19 academies.

You said

Close to half of respondents (44%) told us that the proposed fee increase would have no or a minor impact. Whereas 39% told us that it would have a moderate impact and 18% told us it would have a major impact.

The majority of respondents (63%) agreed with our proposal that secure 16-19 academies should be subject to the same number of minimum inspections as secure children’s homes.

We did

The results of the consultation have been set out in a report on the gov.uk website. Based on these results, the department has decided to implement a 10% increase in fees for children’s social care providers not paying the full cost rate and set a requirement that the secure children’s home element of all secure 16-19 academies is subject to a minimum of two Ofsted inspections a year.

Overview

We're seeking views on proposed changes to Ofsted fees and a minimum inspection frequency for secure 16-19 academies (secure schools). 

Why your views matter

We are proposing to increase Ofsted fees for the regulation and inspection of children’s social care providers and some residential educational establishments by 10% for providers not paying the full cost rate.

We are also proposing to set a minimum inspection frequency for secure 16-19 academies - a new type of custodial provision for children and young people remanded or sentenced to detention in relation to a criminal offence. 

It is important that we hear from all those with an interest in children’s social care provision in order for us to understand the impact of our proposals on the sector and if there are any issues that they may create.

Audiences

  • Local authorities
  • Young people
  • Foster carers
  • Community representatives
  • Volunteers
  • Social workers
  • Government bodies and departments
  • Social workers
  • Team managers
  • Service managers
  • Principle social workers
  • Directors of children's services
  • Adult and mental health practitioners

Interests

  • Accommodation (Looked after children)
  • Advocacy (Looked after children)
  • Care leavers and former looked-after children
  • Financial support (Looked after children)
  • Friends and family care
  • Short break care
  • Social care standards and guidance
  • Disabled children