OFSTED Revised SCIFF - Stability and Risk

OFSTED has announced upcoming changes to the way Children's Homes are inspected, with a push toward stability for the most vulnerable and "complex" young people.

https://socialcareinspection.blog.gov.uk/2025/03/18/changes-to-our-sccif-guidance-to-improve-stability-for-vulnerable-children/

Many of us in Children's Services have been all too aware of the instability experienced by the most vulnerable young people in care. Systemic issues mean that homes are concerned about providing homes when inspection cans can focus heavily on risk.

It is right that we should be concerned about risk and especially for the most vulnerable we need to provide warm, safe loving homes. But when young people have experienced significant trauma it can take time for trust, relationships and safety to develop.

The new SCCIF hopes to focus on:

• how providers promote and sustain stability for children, including those with high needs

• the timeliness of a provider’s work to prepare children for their next move

• how placement decisions reflect a home’s statement of purpose, and balance the needs of the child with the needs of those already living there

• how well providers work with partner agencies to manage risks

The hope is that providers will feel more confident to offer support to young people with the greatest need. There is a suggestion that stability is going to carry much more significant weight, but this will continue to be balanced against how risk risk is managed.

Homes are going to need to demonstrate an ability to confidently and effectively through risk, using their own internal processes and multi agency support. If OFSTED are truly committed to this approach, I really am quite excited.

I love working with homes, who want to work with young people in the most challenging circumstances. I anticipate a lot more conversations about laser sharp analysis of risk, forensically tracking progress and challenging to provide safe, loving homes, built on relationships.

Martin S.