Guidance

Variation fees for children's social care services

Updated 1 April 2024

Applies to England

Variation fees may apply if a provider wishes to makes changes after Ofsted has granted registration. We normally charge a major fee, but in some cases this will be a minor fee. We charge a minor fee when:

  • the number of places is reduced in children’s homes or residential family centres
  • a children’s home reduces the range of existing needs (categories) of children cared for
  • a voluntary adoption agency or adoption support agency reduces the types of services provided.

You can read guidance about making changes to your conditions of registration.

Variation fees for children’s social care services

Establishment or agency Major fee Minor fee
Children’s home with 3 or fewer places (1 child = 1 place) £910 £233
Children’s home with 4 or more places (1 child = 1 place) £910 £233
Children’s home (multi-building) (1 child = 1 place) £910 £233
Residential family centre with 3 or fewer places (1 family = 1 place) £910 £193
Residential family centre with 4 or more places (1 family = 1 place) £910 £193
Independent fostering agency £910 £233
Voluntary adoption agency with 7 or fewer full-time equivalent staff £821 £161
Voluntary adoption agency with 8 or more full-time equivalent staff £910 £161
Adoption support agency with 2 or fewer full-time equivalent staff £821 £161
Adoption support agency with 3 or more full-time equivalent staff £910 £161
Supported accommodation with 0 to 10 places (small) £910 £211
Supported accommodation with 11 or more places (large) £910 £211

The above variation fees are set out in: