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<p>Every child and young person should have access to a stable and secure placement
in accommodation that can meet their needs and, most importantly, keep them safe.
On 5 November 2019, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, wrote
to all local authorities reminding them of their duty to keep children safe, particularly
if they are placed away from their area, which requires approval by a Director of
Children’s Services.</p><p> </p><p>Reform is needed as a matter of urgency to ensure
this provision is being used appropriately and meets the needs of the young people
placed there. On 12 February 2020 we announced proposals to drive up the quality of
children’s social care. The consultation invites views on a set of new measures to
ensure appropriate use of these placements. The proposals include:</p><p> </p><ul><li>banning
the use of independent and semi-independent placements for children and young people
under the age of 16</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>driving up the quality of support offered
in independent and semi-independent provision through the introduction of new national
standards, ensuring that these standards are enforced and that young people’s interests
are appropriately represented by their Independent Reviewing Officer</li></ul><p>
</p><ul><li>introducing new measures so that local authorities and local police forces
liaise before a placement in such provision is made</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>giving
Ofsted new legal powers to act against illegal providers. Under the proposal, legislation
would be amended so that Ofsted could take legal action before prosecution and issue
enforcement notices, which will result in illegal providers either being forced to
close, register or face a penalty.</li></ul><p> </p><p>The consultation is open for
response until 8 April and is available at the following link: <a href="https://consult.education.gov.uk/unregulated-provision/unregulated-provision-children-in-care/"
target="_blank">https://consult.education.gov.uk/unregulated-provision/unregulated-provision-children-in-care/</a>.</p><p>
</p><p>Ofsted has conducted over 150 investigations in the last year into settings
suspected to be operating as an unregistered children’s home. They are expediting
applications to make sure new homes can be inspected and have implemented a new process
for informing local authorities when cease and desist letters are sent to unregistered
providers so that they know not to place children with them.</p>
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