Ofsted inspects registered services under its Ofsted SCCIF: supported accommodation framework. Knowing how a supported accommodation Ofsted inspection works, and what inspectors focus on, is the best way to make sure your service is judged on its real strengths.
How much notice you get before a supported accommodation Ofsted inspection
Ofsted phones in the morning, follows up by email, and inspectors arrive two working days later. Information you provide beforehand counts as evidence. The visit usually lasts one to three days, depending on the size of the service.
What inspectors look at
- A sample of young people's case files, and their direct views
- Visits to a range of your properties
- Interviews with the registered service manager and staff, including agency staff
- Conversations with social workers, independent reviewing officers and police
- Supervision notes, health and safety checks, and training and recruitment records
Inspectors focus on the impact of documents in practice. Use our supported accommodation quality standards checklist to test yours.
The three areas inspectors report on
- The overall experiences and progress of children
- How well children are helped and protected
- The effectiveness of leaders and managers
Supported accommodation Ofsted inspection outcomes
| Outcome | What it means | Next inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome 1 | Consistently strong service delivery leads to typically positive experiences and progress for children. | Usually within about 3 years |
| Outcome 2 | Inconsistent quality of service delivery adversely affects some children's experiences. | Usually within about 18 months |
| Outcome 3 | Serious or widespread weaknesses lead to significant concerns about children's experiences and progress. | Usually within about 6 months |
Received Outcome 2 or 3? Our post-Ofsted inspection support helps you build a credible action plan. You can read published reports on Ofsted's Ofsted inspection reports site.
Five things to do before you get the call
- Make sure every support plan and risk assessment reflects recent events.
- Complete and evidence your six-monthly quality review actions.
- Prepare staff to talk confidently about safeguarding, missing episodes and exploitation.
- Walk through every property as an inspector would.
- Book a supported accommodation mock inspection, so the real thing is not the first test.
In short: a supported accommodation Ofsted inspection tests what happens in practice. Understand the Supported Accommodation Regulations 2023 explained, keep your evidence current, and get an outside view before the inspectors arrive.