Ofsted is to take tougher action against illegal children homes as it warns some vulnerable kids are being places un unsafe accommodation.
The education watchdog said it would increase criminal investigations and prosecutions against providers running unregistered homes, while working more closely with the police and councils to safeguard children.
The announcement comes as new Ofsted research highlights growing pressure on England’s children’s social care system, with local authorities struggling to find suitable residential placements.
Despite there being more children’s homes than ever before, the report shows many are either too small, in the wrong locations, or unable to support children with complex needs.
Ofsted said shortages of staff, a lack of foster carers and high housing costs were contributing to this problem. As a result, some children are being placed further from home or in settings that do not meet their needs.
Separate government data shows in England, around 47% of children in residential care units are placed more than 20 miles from their home town.
Meanwhile, Ofsted warned children living in illegal homes may be cared for by people who haven’t been properly vetted. The watchdog also said there was evidence of profiteering and criminal activity within parts of the unregistered sector.
Under proposed changes to children’s social care inspections, councils that continue to use illegal provision without taking action to address shortages could receive lower ratings.
Ofsted said it was also changing how it registers new children’s homes, giving priority to applications that address the greatest local and regional need.
Providers will be expected to show they have worked with local authorities to ensure new homes are in the right places and offer the specialist support children require.
Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, said: ‘Illegal homes are a scourge on our society, placing profit above children’s welfare and safety. It’s absolutely right that we do everything in our power to prevent children from being placed in unsafe and unsuitable accommodation.
‘The research published today highlights that we need the right homes in the right places, not more homes in the wrong places. Changing our approach to focus on sufficiency, as well as rooting out criminality, will ensure we’re playing our part in tackling this issue.’
The government has backed the approach, with Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister supporting plans to prioritise new homes where they are needed most.
Image: Ryan Collins/UnSplash
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