What Does It Mean for Supported Accommodation to Be Ofsted-Registered?
- danield613
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
A Simple Guide for Families
If a young person you care for is moving into supported accommodation, you’ve probably heard the term “Ofsted-registered.” You may also be wondering:
What does this actually mean?
Does it make the placement safer?
How does it affect the support my child will receive?
This guide explains everything in clear language, so you know exactly what registration means, and why it matters.
A New Era of Regulation for Young People Aged 16–17
Until recently, supported accommodation (such as shared homes or semi-independent placements) was not regulated in the same way as children’s homes.
That changed in October 2023, when the government introduced the Supported Accommodation Regulations, making it a legal requirement for every provider to:
register with Ofsted,
meet national quality standards
undergo inspection.
This change was made because young people deserve consistent, safe, high-quality support — wherever they live.
1. It Means the Setting Is Safe, Legal and Quality-Checked
An Ofsted registration is not automatic. Providers must prove they have:
strong safeguarding systems
safe staffing arrangements
good risk management
a suitable environment
clear policies and procedures
Before registration, Ofsted reviews policies, documentation, staffing, leadership, training and safety measures to make sure the service is fit for young people.
For families, this means you’re not sending your child into an unregulated or unmonitored setting.
2. Staff Are Trained and Suitable to Support 16–17 Year Olds
Ofsted checks that all staff:
are DBS-checked
are recruited safely
understand trauma, boundaries and teenage development
know how to support independence
can identify risks such as exploitation or online harm
This gives families reassurance that the people supporting their child are experienced, trained and held to national expectations.
3. Young People Receive Support, Not “Care”, but It Must Be Meaningful
Supported accommodation is different from residential care. The emphasis is on helping young people learn independence, not on providing 24/7 care.
Ofsted requires providers to show how they help young people:
build daily living skills
manage routines
stay safe and understand risks
attend education, training or work
build confidence and emotional readiness
prepare for adulthood with the right guidance
This means support must be structured, purposeful and focused on progress, not just “keeping young people housed.”
4. The Home Must Meet Four National Quality Standards
All Ofsted-registered supported accommodation must meet these standards:
Leadership and Management Standard
The service must be well-run, well-staffed and constantly improving.
Protection Standard
Young people must be safe, physically, emotionally and online.
Support Standard
Young people must receive practical, emotional and independence support tailored to them.
Accommodation Standard
The home must be clean, safe, comfortable and suitable for young people’s needs.
These standards ensure consistency across the entire sector.
5. Ofsted Will Inspect the Home Regularly
Becoming registered is only the beginning. Ofsted carries out:
Assurance inspections
Full graded inspections
Inspectors talk to staff, young people and managers, and look at:
safety and risk
independence support
routines and daily life
staff practice
leadership quality
young people’s experiences
learning, education and engagement
This means families have ongoing external oversight, not just a one-time approval.
6. What This Means for You as a Family
When a supported accommodation provider is Ofsted-registered, you can feel confident that:
the setting is safe and legal
staff are trained and accountable
young people’s rights and voices matter
the environment is appropriate for teenagers learning independence
progress is monitored and reviewed
there is an external body ensuring standards remain high
Most importantly, it means your child is not navigating adulthood alone, they are supported in a safe, structured, and regulated environment.
Want to Talk to Us Directly?
If you’d like to learn more about how Oasis Care provides Ofsted-registered supported accommodation, or how we ensure young people feel safe, supported and prepared for independence, we’re always happy to talk.
📞 01332 505988
Click here to view our Ofsted Report
References and Helpful Resources for Families
If you’d like to explore more about supported accommodation and Ofsted regulation, the following trusted sources offer clear, up-to-date information:
Official Guidance
Ofsted – Supported Accommodation Regulations and RegistrationA guide explaining how supported accommodation for 16–17-year-olds is regulated and what providers must do to meet national standards.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supported-accommodation-guidance
Department for Education (DfE) – Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023The legislation that introduced mandatory Ofsted registration and the four Quality Standards.https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2023/1037/contents/made
Understanding Supported Accommodation
What Supported Accommodation Is (Ofsted Overview)Explains the difference between care and support, and what young people can expect.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supported-accommodation-guidance
Information for Parents and Carers
NHS – Help for Young People Leaving CareA general guide to support available and what rights young people have.https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-young-people/leaving-care-and-care-leavers/
Coram Voice – Young People’s Rights in Supported AccommodationA simple breakdown for young people and families about what good support should look like.https://coramvoice.org.uk/
Independent Advice for Families
Barnardo’s – Support for Care-Experienced Young PeopleFamily guidance on safety, wellbeing, and navigating support systems.https://www.barnardos.org.uk/
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