Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 42
42
Acknowledged
Ensure all children's homes are led by registered managers; launch recruitment campaign.
Conclusion
The Department for Education must ensure that all children’s homes are led by a registered manager and set out the steps it intends to take to achieve this. Additionally, it should launch a recruitment campaign to raise the profile of residential care staff and encourage more entrants into the sector. (Recommendation, Paragraph 99)
Government Response Summary
The government stated it is already a legal requirement for children's homes to have registered managers and is improving the registration process. While acknowledging the need to raise the profile of residential care roles, it is still exploring data and considering further steps rather than committing to a recruitment campaign.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
It is a legal requirement for all children’s homes to be led by a manager registered with Ofsted. We are committed to improving the registration process to help providers deploy managers more quickly, as set out in ‘Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Thrive’ (November 2024). We are also using data from the 2023 and 2024 workforce census to better understand recruitment challenges and identify ways to support providers. To help address staffing pressures, we are exploring how capital funding can support local authorities in opening or expanding provision, particularly where recruitment issues risk delaying operations. We recognise the need to raise the profile of residential care roles and are considering further steps to support workforce development in this sector.