Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of regulations on new children's homes as enforced by Ofsted and local authorities.

Every child deserves a safe, stable and high-quality home that meets their needs.

New children’s homes are subject to the same regulatory requirements as existing homes, meaning they must register with Ofsted and meet the relevant standards. Ofsted inspect all children’s homes at least once annually against the Social Care Common Inspection Framework. Local authorities and providers are responsible for ensuring placements are suitable and Ofsted can take action where requirements are not met.

The department keeps the adequacy of the regulatory framework under regular review and we are delivering significant reforms to children’s social care, including strengthening Ofsted’s enforcement powers. We have also commissioned an expert-led review of professional development for the children’s homes workforce, which will inform the practice of new department-funded children’s homes and any future changes to standards.