After reading the latest publications from Ofsted alongside commentary from the Children’s Homes Association, it’s clear there is a lot of tension between rapid growth in provision and the ongoing struggle to find suitable placements for the children who need the most support. This post shares a brief reflection on what those documents reveal, andContinue reading “Reimagining Children’s Residential: From Crisis Management to Strategic System Design”
Tag Archives: ofsted
From Rigid Labels to Flexible Care Interventions
The language and terminology used in residential children’s services significantly impact practice and perceptions. Traditionally, distinctions have been made between “care” in children’s homes and “support” in supported accommodation. However, this binary classification often oversimplifies the reality of service delivery and fails to reflect the continuum of care needed by young people as they transitionContinue reading “From Rigid Labels to Flexible Care Interventions”
[008.23] Exploring Care for Children with Complex Needs in Children’s Homes
The survey revealed that “complex needs” encompass various types of needs and risks, often requiring support from multiple partner agencies. Mental health needs, behavioral needs linked to safeguarding concerns, behavioral needs associated with learning difficulties, and physical health needs were identified as the primary categories contributing to complex needs. These areas, when combined, form the basis of the definition.
[001.23] Preparing for the new Supported Accommodation Regulations
On the 19th of April, I had the honor of presenting at the FEVACA Conference on Supported Accommodation, where I delivered a communication highlighting how FEVACA has diligently prepared for the new regulations. It was an invaluable opportunity to share insights, strategies, and best practices in navigating the evolving landscape of supported accommodation. During myContinue reading “[001.23] Preparing for the new Supported Accommodation Regulations”
[006.22] Is OFSTED fit for purpose?
OFSTED is struggling with the lack of (experienced) inspectors, facing a situation where inspectors are leaving to other organizations and some due to their age. To make things worse, we are now expecting the minimum standards for supported accommodation, meaning that the number of inspectors needed will increase even more. I also believe that the current inspection framework is outdated and should be restructured together with the necessary changes to accommodate the new supported accommodation provisions and the changes that will potentially arise from the Children’s Social Care Review.
[013.21] Do we really need an independent visitor in children’s homes?
According to the Children’s Homes regulations, each setting needs to hire a person, independent, to visit the home monthly and produce a report where an assessment of the current situation is made, giving recommendations of what should be changed. This report is then, after receiving comments from the Registered Manager and Responsible Individual sent toContinue reading “[013.21] Do we really need an independent visitor in children’s homes?”
[020.19] there are teenagers that are not being dumped…
Maybe we need more regulation of this settings or, maybe, we just need the responsible organisations to develop a real monitoring. Maybe, we need to improve this settings or, maybe, we just need “that” monitoring to work and make sure that they are implementing the service they should be implemented.
Miguel Valerio 