Unregulated provision – strong oversight is required to ensure young people are safe, secure and doing well.

In December 2021, Amanda Spielman, Ofsted Chief Inspector, agreed to the government’s request that Ofsted should register unregulated provisions for 16- and 17-year-old children in care and care leavers.

Although supported accommodation remains unregulated, it is hard to predict when inspections will begin. Quality standards and regulatory oversight are crucial.

The government expects to implement the supported accommodation regulations by January 2023. Ofsted will begin registering supported accommodation providers in April 2023 and conduct inspections in April 2024.