Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 59
59
Acknowledged
We continue to be extremely concerned by media reports of children’s homes— including the recent...
Conclusion
We continue to be extremely concerned by media reports of children’s homes— including the recent case of Calcot Services for Children—failing to meet the needs or ensure the safety of the vulnerable children in their care. In the case of Calcot, their children’s homes had been rated good or outstanding by Ofsted. Ofsted must assess its whistleblowing and safeguarding procedures for inspecting children’s homes, and must write to us outlining how these have been strengthened in order to prevent future cohorts of children being failed. (Paragraph 137) Educational poverty: how children in residential care have been let down and what to do about it 53
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges concerns about children's homes and states that the Minister met with Ofsted to discuss actions being taken. Ofsted will write to the Committee separately on the issue.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
144. The previous Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families met with Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector at Ofsted on 14 June 2022 to discuss action that was being taken following the allegations of grooming, rape, sexual assault, and of Calcot cutting corners on staffing ratios at their children’s homes. Ofsted do take all concerns, including whistleblowing, extremely seriously and consider any new and emerging information when determining the timing of their inspections. The Minister issued a Written Ministerial Statement on 28 June about the department’s response. 145. At the Minister’s request, Ofsted have written to us outlining some changes they would like to see to improve the regulatory system for the most vulnerable children. The department is carefully considering these proposals, together with the findings from the care review, the CMA report, the child safeguarding panel review, and once published, phase one of the National Panel Review into Children with disabilities and complex health needs placed in residential settings. 146. Ofsted has made us aware that they will write to the Committee on the issue separately.