4th Report - Children’s social care

The government commits to increasing funding for the Families First Partnership Programme by £300 million over two years (2026-28), continuing £523 million investment annually until 2028-29, and allocating an additional £18 million for 2025-26, with grant conditions ensuring use for preventative services.

The government confirmed the ASGSF will continue until 2026-27, not permanently, and will monitor funding limit impacts but without committing to increasing limits. It noted a new Adoption Support Plan rollout, but not a consultation on a plan with appropriate duties as recommended.

The government agrees unsuitable settings are unacceptable and points to existing Quality Standards, but states it is focusing on updating out-dated National Minimum Standards and working with Ofsted on inspection reform, rather than developing a single universal set of standards as implied by the recommendation for all children to receive care.

The government recognises the importance of the social care workforce and outlines several ongoing initiatives to improve recruitment, retention, and training, including gathering evidence and shaping future workforce support through the Families First Partnership Programme, and reviewing qualifications for residential care, but does not commit to a single wholesale review of the entire workforce.

The government will implement a national Staying Close support package through the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill to help care leavers with accommodation and independent living. It also notes ongoing cross-government activity to improve support for care experienced adults.

The government will introduce a national Staying Close support package via the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill to help care leavers with accommodation and independent living. It also notes ongoing cross-government work to improve adult care support.