This framework sets out Ofsteds process for inspecting childrens homes.
Our approach is underpinned by the following 3 principles that apply to all social care inspections:
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.