GovWire

Minor changes to the evaluation criteria to align, where applicable, with other framework changes on childrens progress and experiences, the management of risk, the use of restraint and the need to appoint a registered manager, if the post is vacant, within 26 weeks.Small changes to guidance for inspectors on recording evidence in the inspection database, including corrected Annex As.Clarification on the time inspectors spend on site for inspections of residential special schools which are also registered as childrens homes.Additional guidance for the inspector to inform the Childrens Commissioner when the inspection judgement is inadequate.

Minor edits for clarity in the 'Frequency of inspections', 'Scheduling' and 'Monitoring visit' sections. Revised text referencing the updated 'Ofsted code of conduct' policy.

Added inspection guidance for April 2022: replaced interim inspections with assurance inspections; clarified guidance on inspecting multi-building childrens homes; made minor amends to the evaluation criteria and added additional guidance for when inspectors discover possible unregistered provision.

Updated the Frequency of inspections section in response to the newly published Regulations which are effective from 1 October 2021. Also, in The inspection report section, added clarification on the non-publication of child-friendly summary reports.

Removed guidance on assurance visits, as we are no longer carrying these out.

Updated guidance to reflect the changes to Ofsteds post-inspection processes and complaints handling (including the timeline) that we introduced in September 2020. Reference added to the frequency of inspections being subject to consultation. Added guidance on inspecting childrens homes during COVID-19 restrictions. Minor edits for readability.

First published.