ICHA response to Ofsted’s examination of how groups of children’s homes work.

The ICHA is aware that this piece of work by Ofsted is still in development and looks forward to the final report.

Ofsted appears to be raising that ‘groups’, may impinge upon the ultimate authority of a registered manager. Although their initial feedback from the private and voluntary managers involved does not appear to support this.

Yet, we would argue that no Managers operate autonomously unless they are the owners. Therefore, it would appear that the central thrust of this research is a concern with the ‘opacity’ of larger, private organisations, and Ofsted’s current lack of ability to regulate this.

This is supported by our concern regarding the non-involvement of local authority homes in this piece of work, as it is as likely that their policies and services are centralised and that beds may have to be filled, regardless of compatibility.

Whilst the ICHA supports any steps designed to improve the lives of the young people in our care and recognise that many aspects of the regulations require review. We would caution that regulation aimed at specific sections of the sector could lead to further divisions with the potential of the regulator running companies by proxy.

Nonetheless, we look forward to the final report and its recommendations. 

Notes to Editors

The Independent Children’s Homes Association Ltd (ICHA) is the voice of providers of residential child care services and resources across England and Wales. We are a Not-for-Profit Limited Company.

ICHA’s Vision: ‘Exemplary Residential Child Care.’

ICHA’s Mission: ‘A member-led organisation driving excellence in residential child care through innovation, collaboration, and sector leadership’.

ICHA represents both large and small providers.  Some members have just one home whilst others have many homes across a wide geographic area.

Peter Sandiford

CEO of ICHA

07597 982533