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

Part 2 of the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 sets out four quality standards. Providers must meet each one and be able to show how they meet it. Ofsted inspects against these four standards.

  • The leadership and management standard — the service is led and managed well, with clear accountability and enough suitably skilled staff.
  • The protection standard — young people are safe, and staff help them to understand and manage risks.
  • The accommodation standard — the accommodation is safe, suitable and meets each young person’s needs.
  • The support standard — young people get the support they need, including help towards independence, education, training or work, and good health.

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.

Related articles

Sources

  • Ofsted — supported accommodation for children
  • The Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023

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