“We want providers to be risk-aware, not risk-averse”: Ofsted changes inspections

Ofsted says it is making changes to the social care common inspection framework (SCCIF) to encourage more homes and agencies to look after children with high or multiple needs, with added reassurance that this will not negatively affect their Ofsted rating.

Ofsted’s National Director, Yvette Stanley (pictured), said she wanted providers to be “risk-aware, not risk-averse”.

The changes, which will mainly affect children’s homes and fostering agencies, follows research published last year which found that nine in ten (91%) local authorities struggle to find suitable homes for children with complex needs. Some children wait months, or even years, for a stable placement.

The research also found that concerns about Ofsted ratings were cited by local authorities as a frequent reason for homes rejecting referrals of children with complex needs. Local authorities felt that good and outstanding-rated homes in particular were hesitant to look after these children, due to fears of being downgraded at their next inspection.

As a result, children with complex needs are too often living far from family or friends, experiencing multiple moves, or are accommodated in unsuitable and unregistered homes.

Ofsted says the changes will ‘put a sharper focus on’ how providers promote and sustain stability for children.

The effectiveness of providers’ work with partners to achieve greater stability for children, especially for those at most risk of instability and uncertainty in their lives, will be central to inspections, Ofsted says.

“We know that finding the right placement for a child can be challenging, Yvette Stanley, Ofsted’s National Director of Social Care said, adding: “but homes and fostering agencies should feel confident in their ability to provide long-term, sustainable care for vulnerable children who need it most. We want providers to be risk-aware, not risk-averse.”

“I hope these changes send a clear message that we will recognise providers who step up to support our children with complex needs, and who stick with them though the most difficult times.”

Last month, Parliamentary questions to the Children’s Minister ahead of the second reading the Looked After Children (Distance Placements) Bill found that the number of children in care living 50 and 100 miles from home has risen by 7% since 2020.

Campaigners blame a shortage of homes as the main driver, warning that moves like these can have a devastating impact on their lives and wellbeing, disrupting their education and relationships with siblings, as well as putting them at greater risk of exploitation.

"Every child deserves stability, security, and the opportunity to thrive,” Jake Richards, MP for Rother Valley, said.

“Too many children in care are being placed far from their families, schools, and support networks, making it harder for them to feel settled and supported.

“This Bill is about ensuring that local authorities prioritise keeping children as close to home as possible and, crucially, begin to plan so that children can remain closer to home in the future.

“The government are making great strides in fixing a broken social care system, and I hope they will consider this very modest reform that would greatly strengthen their agenda.”