Summary of framework changes
Updated 30 September 2025
Applies to England
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inspecting-cafcass-framework/summary-of-framework-changes
This summary outlines changes to inspection practice. This does not include corrections or changes made to improve clarity in how the framework is written.
September 2025
Changes made to the Annex A: information and data request form ‘Child-level data’ and ‘Further documentation’ sections. Child-level data section: additional fields inserted – child ID, start date of case, end date of case, child seen in person (Y/N), section 7 filed, audit (Y/N). Further documentation section: ‘Item 1.15 list of case-holding social workers’ has been updated to specify how long the cases had been open at the time of notification (the numbers open for less than 26 weeks; 26 weeks to less than 52 weeks; 52 weeks to less than 100 weeks; and 100 weeks or more).
December 2024
Applications to the High Court to deprive children of their liberty have been added to the ‘Scope’ section to make it clear that these are included.
A paragraph has been added under ‘Off-site evaluation’ in the ‘Inspections’ section, to set out that inspectors’ off-site evaluation activity may include speaking to the judiciary, local authority senior leaders and any other stakeholders who are likely to provide insights.
The documents listed in ‘Cafcass Annex A: information and data request’ under ‘Further documentation’ have been updated and numbered.
A ‘Summary of framework changes’ document has been added to the ‘Inspecting Cafcass: framework’ page.
October 2024
In the ‘Notifying Cafcass and requesting information’ section, we have clarified how the provider can request any adaptations to the inspection process due to a protected characteristic, or any reasonable adjustments due to a disability.
April 2024
Framework updated to clarify that, when applying the handbook, inspectors will take appropriate action to comply with Ofsted’s Equality Act duties (‘Inspection principles’ section).
Clarification on the opportunities for the centre to discuss and/or provide information on potential equalities duties, including reasonable adjustments for individuals. (‘Notifying Cafcass and requesting information’ and ‘Engaging with leaders and staff’ sections).
Clarification regarding Ofsted’s updated arrangements for publishing the report, quality assurance and handling concerns and complaints in line with Ofsted’s new complaints process in the timeframe sections.
References to Ofsted’s pausing process now set out in a single publication on GOV.UK .
Minor revision to what inspectors will take into account when evaluating children’s experience (‘Inspection activity and gathering evidence’ section).
February 2024
Added further guidance about deferring an inspection or visit.
Added guidance about inspector conduct during inspections.
Added guidance on when and how the provider can raise issues, concerns or complaints during and after the inspection or visit.
Added arrangements for supporting the well-being of the provider’s managers and staff during inspections and visits.
Added guidance on attendance at keeping in touch meetings, discussions with staff and feedback meetings; and who the provider may share provisional and final inspection outcomes with.
January 2024
Correction to the wording of the relevant (outstanding) evaluation criteria to read, under ‘Private law’: ‘Practice is consistently good or better…’, and under ‘Public law’: ‘and the quality of advice to the family court is consistently good or better and consistently ensures that the court is given the best possible advice to inform decision making for children’.
March 2021
Cafcass inspection framework from April 2021 first published.