Introducing new rules for supported accommodation providers

The government has published the consultation response today (Thursday 23 March) which sets out the new rules for supported accommodation providers.

It sets out key features of an Ofsted regulatory regime, including enforcement powers and offense provisions, such as right of entry powers and the prosecution of providers who do not register. This means that from October 2023, all providers of accommodation for children in care or care leavers up to the age of 18 will be regulated by Ofsted. Providers can start registering from April 2023, with mandatory registration beginning in October.

The consultation response also outlines the standards that providers will have to follow, covering the physical surroundings of homes, as well as how children are kept safe and the mental and emotional support they should be given.

Providing supported accommodation for children and young people is the guide to the regulations on providing supported accommodation for children and young people. It includes the quality standards that all supported accommodation providers must meet.

The regulations include the quality standards for supported accommodation for young people aged 16 or 17 and details on the Ofsted-led registration and inspection regime.

This guidance is for:

• local authorities
• everyone providing supported accommodation
• children’s social care workforce
• relevant public sector, private and charitable sector organisations

Ofsted will begin piloting inspections with specially trained staff later this year to develop their approach and guidance ahead of inspections, beginning nationally in April 2024.

Under the new regulations, providers will also be required to review the support they offer young people every six months. This review will have to include the views and experiences of the children and young people living in the accommodation and will be used to make sure the accommodation meets the needs of everyone who lives there. Reviews will be submitted to Ofsted, which will inspect accommodation at least every three years.

Ahead of this announcement, tri.x is busy updating existing procedures and creating new procedures to keep our customers in step with the changing requirements.   
 
Want to be confident knowing your procedures are up to date with the latest legislation and guidance? Get in touch today to find out how tri.x can support you via admin@trixonline.co.uk