Ofsted Clampdown: Bye-Bye Unregulated Care Homes for Teens
From October 2023, all accommodation providers for looked after 16- and 17-year-olds must register with Ofsted—and meet tough new standards. This bold move bans unregulated, substandard homes, protecting vulnerable teens in and leaving care.
What’s Changing?
- Mandatory Ofsted registration for all supported housing for care teens up to 18.
- Robust new quality standards including physical environment, safety, and emotional support.
- Regular Ofsted inspections starting April 2024, with pilot checks this year.
- Providers must review support every six months, using young people’s feedback.
- Strong enforcement powers, including prosecutions for rule-breakers.
Providers can begin registering from April 2023, with strict mandatory registration kicking in by October.
£142m Funding Boost to Back Reforms
The government is throwing £142 million at the overhaul over three years—£17.2 million for Ofsted and a massive £123 million to local authorities to manage the changes and cover costs. Grants start dishing out from April 2023.
Voices Behind the Change
The crackdown follows consultations with children, young people, and sector workers and builds on the Independent Review into Children’s Social Care and the government’s social care strategy ‘Stable Homes, Built on 1.’
Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing Claire Coutinho said:
“Every child deserves a safe and stable home with a support network that looks out for them. Supported accommodation at its best does just that—helping young people in care build confidence for life after care. But standards have too often fallen short.
I am determined to raise accommodation to the same high bar nationwide, giving children a better shot at success.”
Anna Feuchtwang, Chief Executive of National Children’s Bureau, added:
“With these new regulations set to improve housing for care teens, it’s critical providers are ready to register and adapt. We’re supporting the sector and making sure the voices of young people in care shape how things get done.”
This major shake-up means no more poor quality homes slipping through the cracks. Finally, vulnerable teens in care will get the safe, stable accommodation they deserve.
