Ofsted Regulation

Legal Advice for Children’s Services Providers

Ofsted regulates children’s care services across England and is responsible for protecting and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

At Gordons Partnership, our specialist Care Provider Team is led by Neil Grant, who has more than 30 years’ experience advising in the sector. Neil previously acted for Ofsted and now represents providers.

The team regularly advises early years providers, children’s homes and supported accommodation services.

Key Legislation and Guidance

Ofsted legislation and guidance are highly detailed and service-specific. Providers therefore need specialist lawyers familiar with its framework and practical application.

Key legislation and guidance includes:

Care Standards Act 2000
Children’s Homes Regulations 2015
Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
Ofsted Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF)
Ofsted Social Care Compliance Handbook
Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023
Childcare (Early Years Register) Regulations 2008
Childcare (General Childcare Register) Regulations 2008
Early Years Foundation Stage (Welfare Requirements) Regulations 2012
Disqualification from Caring for Children (England) Regulations 2002.

How We Support Providers

Providers cannot operate lawfully without Ofsted registration. We assist organisations applying for registration, whether entering the sector or expanding services.

Ofsted Inspections

Registered services are inspected regularly. We support providers during inspections and assist in responding to draft inspection reports.

Ofsted Compliance

We work with providers to address compliance issues and improve regulatory outcomes, often working alongside specialist care consultants.

Where the evidence does not support an alleged breach, we assist providers in challenging Ofsted appropriately.

Ofsted Enforcement

Ofsted has a wide range of enforcement powers including prosecution and cancellation of registration. We defend providers facing investigations and enforcement action.

This includes cases involving:

Unregistered children’s services
Notices of Proposal to cancel registration
Appeals to the First-tier Tribunal

What Our Clients Say

“Neil Grant at Gordon’s Partnership Solicitors provided invaluable support in helping me navigate a Notice of Proposal with Ofsted. His expertise, professionalism, and clear guidance made a challenging process much easier. I highly recommend him for anyone facing similar issues.”

Sharlin Rathod, Honeycomb Care Homes Limited

Our Health & Social Care Team

If you require advice on Ofsted registration, inspections or enforcement relating to children’s services, please contact Neil Grant, Lucy Bowker or Samantha Burges.