Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 71
71
Accepted
Ensure new inspection system supports complex needs placements and provides clear provider guidance.
Conclusion
Ofsted and the Department for Education should ensure that the inspection system that replaces single-word judgements does not penalise providers who take on children with complex needs, while also ensuring that children with complex needs are placed in settings with the appropriate skills to provide a high quality of care and support, and that guidance is clearly communicated to providers. (Recommendation, Paragraph 177) Leaving care
Government Response Summary
The government is amending legislation to allow deprivation of liberty in more settings and is launching a test-and-learn project to improve placements for children with complex needs. They also confirm continued collaboration with Ofsted as it removes single-headline judgements across its remits, including children's social care, aiming to drive better outcomes for children and families.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We are amending primary legislation, via the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, to allow children to be deprived of their liberty in settings other than secure children’s homes, where necessary for their safety and care. This change, supported by capital investment, aims to ensure that children at risk or already deprived of liberty can live in environments that better meet their individual needs. To support this, we are building an evidence base and will publish research in the autumn examining the needs of children with complex lives, the challenges local authorities face in supporting them, and examples of promising practice. In partnership with NHSE, DHSC and MoJ, we are also launching a test-and-learn project in the South-East Regional Care Co-operative in 2025–26 to explore effective approaches to assessment and placement using multi-disciplinary teams. Our close collaboration with Ofsted will continue as they move forward with removing the single-headline judgement across all their remits, including children’s social care, to help drive better outcomes for children and families.