Reading List

The sources below underpin the course content. The legal and inspection framework referenced is for England, where the Children's Homes Regulations and Ofsted guidance apply. Equivalent standards and guidance for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are listed after the England sources.

• Children's homes regulations, including quality standards: guide
  Primary England practice guide used in this course, covering the purpose of the Quality Standards, the statement of purpose, staffing, oversight and day-to-day care expectations.
• The Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015
  The core legal framework for registered children's homes in England.
• SCCIF: children's homes
  Ofsted's inspection framework that sets out expectations for children's experiences, progress, evidence and leadership.
• Responsibilities of providers and managers in Ofsted-registered children's homes
  Guidance on leadership, management and ongoing regulatory responsibilities after registration.
• Tell Ofsted about a serious incident in a children's home or secure children's home
  Guidance on notifying Ofsted about serious incidents in England.
• Report changes to your social care service (SC3)
  Guidance on notifying Ofsted about certain changes, such as manager changes or extended absences.
• Care Inspectorate Wales: National Minimum Standards for Children's Homes
  Wales guidance on standards and service expectations for children's homes.
• gov.scot: Health and Social Care Standards - My support, my life
  Scotland's standards used across care settings, including residential child care.
• gov.scot: Residential care - looked after children
  Scotland guidance and policy context for residential child care.
• RQIA: Minimum Standards for Children's Homes
  Northern Ireland standards and oversight expectations for children's homes.

Across all four nations the practical question is the same: can the home show that children are safe, listened to, well-matched and supported to make progress?