In October 2023, significant changes were introduced to the regulation of supported accommodation for 16 to 18 year olds. These changes that have been led by Ofsted are designed to improve the quality of care and safeguarding for young people in supported accommodation.
The key changes are:
For the first time Ofsted is now responsible for regulating all supported accommodation services for 16 to 18 year olds. This means that if your organisation is providing supported accommodation for any individual aged 16 to 18 you will need to be regulated by Ofsted therefore if you have not already done so, you will need to register as soon as possible.
Once registered, Ofsted will carry out regular inspections, these inspections focus on; The safety and appropriateness of the living conditions, the quality of care provided, the adequacy of staff training and qualifications and how well providers meet the individuals needs of young people and how the provider promotes independence.
Safeguarding is a major focus of the new regulatory framework and supported accommodation providers must have robust child protection policies in place, protect young people from harm, abuse or neglect and work closely with local safeguarding agencies.
Providers are expected to meet the new minimum standards for the quality of care you offer, this includes ensuring that young people have access to personalised care plans, support for daily living skills, education and employment and have safe and well maintained living environments.
With Ofsted now responsible for oversight, providers face stricter accountability measures, if a provider fails to meet the required standard, Ofsted can take enforcement action. Overall the changes are designed to improve the safety, wellbeing and development of vulnerable young people in supported living.
Don’t get caught out! From September 2024, Ofsted will start carrying out inspections of registered providers.
Pollensa understands the type of support that will be required for care leavers of differing backgrounds, along with the insurance policy coverage to be compliant with local authority contracts. Pollensa have strong relationships with care specialist insurers and can tailor a policy to your needs protecting your business.
- We have a dedicated care team who can offer advice and guidance in regard to the new regulations set out by Ofsted to improve the quality of care for young people.
- We can offer advice with new venture supported living providers.
- We can support you with Ofsted letter of intentions for SC1 submissions and support with local authority contracts.
- We offer Risk Management and Consultancy days.
- We have a dedicated claims team to offer you personalised support as and when needed.
During an Ofsted inspection of supported accommodation for 16 to 18 year-olds, providers are expected to demonstrate compliance with a range of standards and regulations set out below:
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- Safeguarding Practices – Ofsted will expect to see that safeguarding policies are clearly defined, understood by staff and effectively implement to protect young people from harm, abuse or neglect. Inspectors will also expect to see relevant up to date training of all staff with clear processes for reporting and responding to incidents. Providers are also expected to demonstrate strong partnerships with local safeguarding authorities, the police and social services and show how the respond to safeguarding concerns.
- Health and safety compliance – Ofsted will inspect the physical environment to ensure it is safe, clean and well-maintained, with appropriate health and safety measures in place such as fire safety equipment and risk assessments. Providers are also expected to carry out regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards to the safety and wellbeing of the young residents.
- Quality of care and support – Providers must demonstrate that each young person has a tailored support plan that meets their specific needs, including emotional support, life skills development education and health. Ofsted will seek evidence that the provider is actively helping the young person develop through practical support, such as managing finances, cooking and navigating adulthood. Inspectors will also look at how well staff support young people’s emotional and mental health, including access to counselling or mental health services when needed.
- Staff Competencies and Ratios – Ofsted will expect providers to have well trained, qualified staff who can meet the needs to the young people within their care. This includes appropriate recruitment processes, staff vetting and ongoing professional development. Providers must also demonstrate that they have enough staff on duty to ensure the safety and positive wellbeing of the young people with adequate supervision where necessary.
- Young People’s Voices – Ofsted will expect to see that young people are actively involved in decisions about their care and living arrangements and providers should demonstrate that they take young people’s views seriously and act on feedback to improve their services.
- Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Standards – Providers must demonstrate that they are fully registered with Ofsted and comply with all regulatory requirements. Providers should also have clear systems in place for reporting incidences, complaints, safeguarding concerns and other key data. Ofsted will want to see that these systems are robust and that issues are followed up appropriately.
- Partnership Working – Ofsted will expect providers to support young peoples educational and employment goals. Inspectors will review how well providers are helping young people into employment. There should also be clear arrangements with healthcare providers with clear arrangements for accessing healthcare, including GP appointments, mental health support and other relevant services.
- Cultural awareness and equality – Providers must demonstrate that they promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all young people receive fair and equal treatment. Ofsted will expect to see that cultural, religious or language needs are recognised and supported within the living environment.
- Measuring Outcomes – Inspectors will look for evidence that young people are achieving positive outcomes, providers need to demonstrate how they measure progress and support young people in achieving their goals.
For further information about the Ofsted guide to click here>> Ofsted guide to the supported accommodation regulations
Please do not hesitate in contacting Pollensa to discuss your insurance needs by calling
01778 303111 or emailing enquiries@pollensa-insurance.co.uk
