Consultation outcome

Unregulated provision for children in care and care leavers

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 12 February 2020
• Last updated: 19 February 2021 — See all updates

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

Applies to England

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Reforms to unregulated provision for children in care and care leavers: government consultation response

PDF, 232 KB, 21 pages

Detail of outcome

Summary of the responses received, along with the government’s response outlining the next steps.

You can also read the consultation analysis and information on Looked-after children in independent or semi-independent placements.

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Original consultation

Summary

We're seeking views on the proposed reforms for independent and semi-independent accommodation for children's social care.

This consultation was held on another website.

This consultation ran from
10:30am on 12 February 2020 to 10:30pm on 3 June 2020

Consultation description

The number of children in care aged 16 or 17 placed in unregulated settings has increased from 2,900 in 2009 to 6,100 in 2019. We want to ensure these placements are good quality.

Proposals include:

• banning using this provision for under 16s
• introducing national quality standards
• ensuring independent reviewing officers represent young people’s interests
• requiring local authorities and police forces to cooperate with each other
• new legal powers for Ofsted to take action against illegal providers

Given operational pressures, the consultation has been extended.

Published 12 February 2020

Last updated 19 February 2021 + show all updates

1. 19 February 2021

   Added consultation response and links to further information.

2. 8 April 2020

   The consultation deadline has been extended to 10.30pm on 3 June 2020.

3. 12 February 2020

   First published.