Issue - meetings

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help to present the report and the recommendation from People & Health Overview Committee.  

That the approach to Ofsted regulation of supported accommodation for 16- and 17-year-olds be adopted.

Reason for the decision

To ensure compliance with the latest legislation and any subsequent regulation/statutory guidance.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help presented the report and the People and Health Overview Committee’s recommendation regarding Ofsted Regulation of Supported Accommodation for 16- and 17-year-olds. 

It was proposed by Cllr B Quayle seconded by Cllr J Somper

Decision

That the approach to Ofsted regulation of supported accommodation for 16- and 17-year-olds be adopted.

Reason for the decision

To ensure compliance with the latest legislation and any subsequent regulation/statutory guidance.

To receive a report by the Corporate Director for Commissioning and Partnerships.

The Corporate Director for Commissioning and Partnerships introduced the report and gave a presentation which is attached to these minutes. The presentation outlined supported accommodation, the reasons for policy change and the approach to this in Dorset, the new requirements including registration of providers, and the financial implications.

Committee members discussed and report and asked questions of the officers. The following points were raised:

·         Grant funding from the Department for Education was £330,000 which would be given to the council in four equal instalments.

·         Part of the Ofsted inspection regime included talking to children and young people.

·         There was an open consultation on the Ofsted inspection so there may be changes to the inspection as a result of this consultation.

·         Social workers and personal advisors would work with young people when they turn 18.

·         There was a one-off registration fee for registering the supported accommodation.

·         There was a risk in the Ofsted inspection process when they would inspect the head office and not the supported accommodation. It was important that children and young people were included in the process.

·         There was a national charity with regional groups which were sharing information and delivering training.

·         16-17 year olds will not be able to be placed in unregistered accommodation.

·         The new national policy may impact provision through some providers no longer providing for 16-17 year olds or some providers specialising in this age group.

Proposed by Cllr Alford, seconded by Cllr Knox

Decision

That the adoption of the approach to Ofsted regulation of supported accommodation for 16-17 year olds be recommended to Cabinet.