Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a regulatory requirement for Ofsted to inspect children’s homes before they reopen.
Ofsted has the powers and discretion to determine when to inspect a children’s home. Whilst there is not a regulatory requirement for Ofsted to inspect children’s homes before they reopen, it is Ofsted’s continuing practice to visit the provider before they reopen to ensure the provider and premises remain fit for registration. Any changes in such practice would be subject to discussion with the department.