Supported accommodation quality standards
Also known as: Ofsted supported accommodation, Supported accommodation regulations, Non-regulated provision
Supported accommodation quality standards are the standards that providers of supported accommodation for 16- and 17-year-olds in England must meet, set out in regulations and inspected by Ofsted since the introduction of mandatory registration.
Since 2023, providers of supported accommodation for looked-after children and care leavers aged 16 and 17 in England must register with Ofsted and meet a set of quality standards. This brought previously unregulated provision into a formal inspection regime focused on the safety, wellbeing and progress of young people preparing for independence.
The quality standards
The Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations set out quality standards that providers must meet. They cover areas such as the leadership and management of the setting, protection of young people, promoting their wellbeing and development, accommodation suitability, and supporting young people towards independence. Providers must evidence how they meet each standard.
- Leadership and management — competent, accountable leadership of the service.
- Protection of young people — safeguarding and keeping young people safe.
- Promoting wellbeing — supporting health, development and positive relationships.
- Accommodation — safe, suitable and well-maintained premises.
- Preparation for independence — building the skills young people need to live independently.
Registration and inspection
Providers must register with Ofsted to operate legally, and Ofsted inspects settings against the quality standards. Inspection judgements consider the experiences and progress of young people and the effectiveness of leaders and managers, similar in spirit to how other children’s social care provision is inspected.
Frequently asked questions
Who regulates supported accommodation for 16 and 17 year olds?
Ofsted regulates and inspects supported accommodation for looked-after children and care leavers aged 16 and 17 in England. Providers must register with Ofsted and meet the supported accommodation quality standards.
Do supported accommodation providers have to register with Ofsted?
Yes. Since the introduction of mandatory registration, providers of supported accommodation for 16- and 17-year-olds must register with Ofsted to operate legally and are inspected against the quality standards.
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Related concepts
Sources
- Ofsted — supported accommodation for children
- The Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023
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