Ofsted sets out tougher approach to unregistered children’s homes

Ofsted has announced a tougher approach to the sharp growth in unregistered children’s homes, signalling that it will move towards criminal investigations and prosecutions of illegal operators.

The regulator also said it would update its guidance to prioritise registration applications for specialist provision in areas of greatest need.

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, said: “Illegal homes are a scourge on our society, placing profit above children’s welfare and safety.”

Under the proposals, local authorities that use illegal provision without demonstrable action to stop doing so could face new adverse inspection outcomes, and applicants seeking to register new homes will be expected to engage directly with local authorities to prove their provision meets local need.

Ofsted’s annual report recorded 710 unregistered children’s homes identified over the year, alongside hundreds of investigations by its unregistered-schools team. Ofsted has previously warned that rapid growth in provision has too often produced homes in the wrong places, at the wrong prices, and outside the rules.