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2. In a press release on 23rd March 2023, the Government released its latest timeline for implementing
Ofsted regulations in the Supported Accommodation (formerly Semi-Independent Living) sector.
But why is regulating this sector important for young people in care, and how will this affect service
providers? In Care Agency Media's March 2023 blog post, learn more about the Government's
latest updates on the upcoming ban on unregulated accommodation for young people in care.
Under the new regulations, all accommodation for young people in care must be regulated by
Ofsted, regardless of whether it is provided by local authorities, private providers, or voluntary
organisations. It means that all providers will be subject to regular inspections to ensure they meet
the required standards of care.
The ban protects vulnerable young people from exploitation and abuse and ensures they receive the
care and support they need to thrive. It follows several high-profile cases in recent years where
young people in unregulated accommodation have been subjected to neglect, exploitation, and even
trafficking.
3. Following extensive consultation with children and young people in care and sector professionals,
commissioners, and councils, Ofsted and the Government have now agreed upon a final timeline
for implementing Ofsted regulations.
Starting in October 2023, supported accommodation businesses that provide for 16-17-year-olds
leaving care will need to be registered with Ofsted, just like a children's home. After October,
unregistered providers will be breaking the law and could be subject to prosecution. The
enforcement powers given to Ofsted to regulate this sector also provide the right of entry powers
to inspectors and police, increasing transparency by preventing unsafe and unregistered provisions
from concealing poor practises.
Providers can register with Ofsted from April 2023 and are advised to engage with their local
authorities and Ofsted at the earliest possible opportunity. It is intended to allow providers as much
time as possible to review their policies, procedures, and training arrangements to meet the new
standards. Operating supported accommodation for 16-17-year-olds in October will become illegal
without Ofsted regulation, and inspections will commence in April 2024.
4. In addition, Ofsted regulation will require providers to meet a new set of standards covering the
physical safety of homes and their surroundings, meaning the location risk assessment process may
become more involved. Rules and best practises around safeguarding are expected to be more
stringent and introduce higher standards for supporting young people's mental and emotional well-
being.
The new regulations will require providers to complete a review of their support provision for
young people every six months. These reports must gather and integrate the input of the young
people who live there, and providers must use these reports to assess shortcomings or areas for
improvement in service delivery. It aims to enforce and monitor a culture of responsive support
and continuous improvement for providers, ensuring accommodation settings can evolve to meet
the changing needs of their young people.
5. To ensure a smooth implementation of these changes, the Government has pledged to invest over
£123 million in the next three years to support local authorities in meeting the cost of the transition
to regulation in the sector. There will also be an additional windfall of £17.2 million paid to Ofsted
to support the transition.
In addition, the press release promises targeted and practical support for providers and
commissioners to remain informed of the incoming changes and associated best practises as part
of a £750,000 budget allocated to the National Children's Bureau. It is part of a contract from the
Department for Education, running until April 2024, and this funding is intended to empower
councils to build awareness, educate and prepare the Supported Accommodation providers they
work with so that as many providers as possible are ready to meet the new regulations. It will ensure
continuity of care and support for as many young people in the care system as possible and
minimise disruptions to existing placements.
6. Ultimately, if implemented properly, the
ban on unregulated accommodation for
young people in care represents an
important step forward in ensuring the
safety and well-being of some of the most
vulnerable members of society. It is now
up to social care professionals and local
authorities to work together to ensure that
the new regulations are effectively
implemented and enforced and that young
people in care receive the support they
need to succeed in life.
7. Care Agency Media offers a comprehensive suite of business support services to help you
and your company thrive in the health and social care sector. We work with you to produce a
bespoke package of services and support you at every stage of your project. Whether you're
looking to get started or are already a seasoned provider, We can help with websites,
marketing materials, tendering services, and more! Why not call us today at 0800 059 9908
and find out how we can help you realise your business's full potential? To know more
about supported living business for sale, visit our website.
