Ofsted supported accommodation regulations explained

What changed in 2023

Until recently, supported accommodation for looked-after and care-leaving 16 and 17 year olds was largely unregulated. The Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 closed that gap, making Ofsted registration a legal requirement and introducing quality standards with inspection against them. Providers had to register within set transitional deadlines, and running unregistered supported accommodation for this group is now an offence.

Who has to register

Registration applies to undertakings that provide supported accommodation to looked-after children and care leavers aged 16 or 17. It covers a range of models, from a single young person in their own flat to shared houses with staff on site or visiting. The defining feature is support with the transition to independence rather than the full care a younger child needs, which is what separates it from a children's home.

The four quality standards

• Leadership and management: a clear ethos, competent leaders, and oversight that drives quality and safety
• Protection: keeping young people safe, including safeguarding, risk and responses to going missing or exploitation
• Accommodation: premises that are safe, suitable and well maintained for independent living
• Support: help that is tailored to each young person's needs and their move towards adulthood

Notifications and records

The Regulations require providers to keep specified records and to notify Ofsted of significant events affecting young people or the running of the service. Notification duties sit at Regulation 27, and getting the timing and content right is part of demonstrating the protection and leadership standards. A clear notifications policy, backed by records, is the evidence Ofsted looks for.

From standards to policies

The standards describe outcomes; your policies and records show how you achieve them. For the specific documents a registered provider needs, see the supported accommodation policies guide, and to place this alongside the other regulators read CQC vs Ofsted vs Care Inspectorate vs CIW.

Where CuraFlow fits

CuraFlow's supported accommodation library is written for the 2023 Regulations and the four quality standards, personalised to your service, with review dates and acknowledgement tracking. Browse the supported accommodation library or see pricing and free samples.