Comment on Ofsted regulation of social care groups and early...

Andy Smith, Chair of the ADCS Standards, Performance & Inspection Policy Committee said:

“The research published by Ofsted on early years multiple providers and children’s homes providers raises important issues about regulatory powers. The current regulations that underpin the inspection of settings, particularly of children’s homes, is in need of updating to reflect how the sector now operates. ADCS would therefore welcome the introduction of regulatory oversight for Ofsted at group level for early years settings and children’s homes, similar to that of multi-academy trusts. As the research highlights, providers that run multiple settings clearly have an influence on how they are run and therefore impact upon the quality of care and education being provided.

“The ongoing Care Review offers a real opportunity to help update the system to meet the needs of children today. Improving access to mental health provision for vulnerable children and young people, investment in the workforce, and addressing excessive profit making by private equity firms are also areas that the review must address.”

ENDS

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