Guidance

Supported accommodation service registration policy

Published 4 April 2023

Applies to England

This policy sets out the processes Ofsted uses to decide whether a supported accommodation service provider or individuals seeking to be associated with a registration are suitable to be registered.

This policy is for:

• anyone wanting to start a supported accommodation service
• individuals applying to be a service manager of a supported accommodation service
• an appointed nominated individual for a supported accommodation service
• anyone already operating a supported accommodation service and considering registering further services

Due to the exceptionally high number of applications, it is taking us longer than usual to process new submissions. If you are applying to register, it is likely to be several months before you receive a decision.

To help avoid further delays, please ensure that you provide all required information both at the time of application and throughout the process.

Supported accommodation services

A supported accommodation service provides a place to live and support a child aged 16 or 17 years old who has been placed by a local authority under section 22C(6)(d) or 23B(8)(b) of the Children Act 1989.

Services need to register as a supported accommodation service if a local authority has either:

• placed a looked after child in an ‘other arrangements’ placement
• placed a care leaver in ‘suitable accommodation’

One organisation must apply to register the service. The placing local authority and the organisation it commissions to provide accommodation and support should discuss who will take responsibility for meeting the standards and applying for registration. Either the local authority could be the provider and continue to commission the service, or the provider of the commissioned service could decide to register.

Providers that do not need to register

You do not need to register as a supported accommodation service if you offer one of the following types of provision:

• a care home
• an institution in the further education sector – as defined by section 91(3) of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992
• a 16 to 19 academy – as defined by section 1B of the Academies Act 2010
• a hospital – as defined by section 275(1) of the National Health Service Act 2006
• a residential family centre
• a school providing accommodation that is not registered as a children’s home
• a holiday scheme for disabled children – as defined by regulation 2(1) of the Residential Holiday Schemes for Disabled Children (England) Regulations 2013

Who supported accommodation is for

Supported accommodation refers to housing and support that enables children aged 16 to 17 to live semi-independently.

The type of support that is offered by supported accommodation, and ‘care and accommodation’ that is offered by children’s homes and foster carers, is not easily described. To help applicants, we take the approach set out in the regulations and standards: 

• supported accommodation is not right for all 16–17-year-olds, and it should not be the default option for children of that age
• care and support are part of a continuum, and the 2 are not mutually exclusive
• all 16–17-year-olds will need, from time to time, elements of support that might look more like care, but they can remain suitably supported in a supported accommodation service

When you, as a supported accommodation provider, offer sensitive help (perhaps short term in nature and responding to a specific need), you will not usually be straying outside the scope of your registration. We expect you to be able to respond flexibly to the needs of children as they develop life skills for future adulthood.

Supported accommodation is unlikely to be suitable when:

• a child has high or complex needs
• a child has their liberty restricted
• a child requires a high level of ongoing care and supervision
• a child requires help and support with personal care

You should not accept referrals for children who are not ready for supported accommodation at the point of referral.

Categories of supported accommodation service

There are 4 categories of supported accommodation service.

A supported accommodation service can apply to be registered for one or more categories of accommodation. The service can cover a small or large geographical area. You must tell us which categories you intend to offer in your supported accommodation application.

Single occupancy

Under legislation, and on the registration certificate, this will be referred to as:

‘Supported accommodation service in a self-contained unit, where the accommodation is for the sole use of the child or for the child and other individuals living with the child as agreed by the accommodating authority or the supported accommodation service undertaking’.

A key characteristic of single occupancy accommodation is that the child is not routinely reliant on communal areas, such as a kitchen and lounge area, that may be used by others, including support staff.

Ring-fenced shared accommodation

This accommodation is for looked after children and care leavers only. There may be care leavers over the age of 18 living at the accommodation. Each child will have their own bedroom, but will share communal areas, for example a kitchen or a living area.

Under legislation, and on the registration certificate, this will be referred to as:

‘Supported accommodation service in a shared or group living situation in premises used to accommodate only looked after children and care leavers’.

Shared accommodation (non-ring-fenced)

Looked after children and care leavers aged 16 to 17 may be living in this accommodation with other people who are aged over 18 and not care-experienced. Each child will have their own bedroom, but will share communal areas, such as a kitchen or living area.

Under legislation, and on the registration certificate, this will be referred to as:

‘Supported accommodation service in a shared or group living situation in premises which are not limited to accommodating looked after children and care leavers’.

Accommodation in a private residence, such as supported lodgings

Children who are accommodated in a private residence, such as supported lodgings, are hosted by an individual (or individuals).

Under legislation, and on the registration certificate, this will be referred to as:

‘[A] supported accommodation service provided by an individual or individuals in a private residence which is the main residence of that individual or those individuals’.

Changing your registration category

As an applicant and provider, once you are registered, you cannot offer a different category from those listed on your certificate of registration. If you want to offer new categories, you must either:

• apply to change the conditions of your current registration (which will include the new categories)
• run the new categories as a separate service

If you choose to run them as a separate service, you must apply to register the new service. You must not operate the new service until you are registered to offer that service.

Starting a supported accommodation service

 
Individuals, partnerships and organisations that want to start a supported accommodation service must register with Ofsted before doing so. This requirement to register helps to prevent unsuitable people from owning, operating, managing or working in supported accommodation services.

To register a supported accommodation service, you must complete a Register a children’s social care service (SC1) form for each service you want to run. The SC1 form is about the provider and the service.

It is an offence under section 11 of the Care Standards Act 2000 to run a supported accommodation service without the appropriate registration.

Anyone found running or managing a supported accommodation service without registration is liable for prosecution. It remains an offence to provide or manage a supported accommodation service without registration while we process the application.

When applying to register, you must take account of the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and the guide to the supported accommodation regulations including quality standards.

Who Ofsted needs to know about

Ofsted needs to know about everyone in a role of responsibility for what we call ‘carrying on a supported accommodation service’.

This covers:

• a ‘provider’ (an individual, partnership or organisation registered with Ofsted)
• a ‘registered service manager’ of the service who is registered with Ofsted
• a ‘nominated individual’ if the provider is registering as an organisation. This is someone who will represent the organisation and act as a point of contact with Ofsted

These latter 2 individuals will need to submit an Apply to be associated with a children’s social care service (SC2) form as part of the application to register.

Ofsted must be satisfied that those in a role of responsibility meet the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 fitness for registration requirements and are suitably qualified and experienced to carry out the role they are applying for. If you intend to hold more than one role, we assess your suitability and capacity for each role.  

We will interview the person applying to be the registered service manager and we will usually interview the nominated individual. We may also interview:

• an individual applicant or partner
• a director of an organisation

How Ofsted uses your data

Ofsted needs to make sure that providers and managers can remain fit to carry on or manage a registered children’s care service.

We need to keep some data, including personal data, for as long as you are registered to provide these services. This includes information about your suitability to provide children’s care services.

We may keep this information for longer if any regulatory issues or concerns were raised when you were registered. 

Factors that may prevent an individual from being associated with a supported accommodation service

There are several factors that may prevent individuals from being associated with a supported accommodation service, including:

• not meeting the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and guide to the supported accommodation regulations including quality standards
• not meeting the requirements of the Care Standards Act 2000 (Registration) (England) Regulations 2010
• being on the Disclosure and Barring Service’s (DBS) list of individuals barred from working with children
• having been previously refused registration with Ofsted, and the reasons for that refusal still applying

We also take into consideration whether individuals have previously been disqualified from working in a children’s home. You can find a full list of reasons for disqualification in our social care enforcement policy and in the Disqualification from Caring for Children (England) Regulations 2002.

Types of providers

The provider is the legal entity providing the supported accommodation service. They are responsible for making sure that the provision meets the Care Standards Act 2000, the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and the guide to the supported accommodation regulations including quality standards

There are 3 different types of supported accommodation providers:

• organisations
• partnerships
• individual providers

Organisations

Organisations include:

• companies or limited liability partnerships (LLP) – the details provided must match what is recorded by Companies House
• statutory bodies or schools, for example a local authority or a trust of a school
• charities
• trusts, for example those appointed by a local authority
• committees, for example a social care committee of a local community
• unincorporated associations

Charities must ensure that their organisation is set up correctly and they can demonstrate this to Ofsted.

Read the Charity Commission’s guidance on setting up a charity for more information.

Partnerships

A partnership is a business where 2 or more people share the profits and liabilities. This is usually under a written partnership agreement. A business registered as an LLP or a company does not count as a partnership. When a partnership applies to register, each person in the partnership must apply and be granted registration.

We will need to see a copy of the agreement or document that clearly establishes the partnership as a legal entity.

Individual providers

An individual provider can be one person or more than one person. They can provide a service without having to set up a partnership, a company or an organisation. We name each person on the registration certificate. Any regulatory action we take may result in action against each person.

If an individual registers their business as a company, then this is an organisation.

Roles

Certain roles must be in place to register a supported accommodation service, depending on the type of provider responsible for the agency.

Nominated individuals

If the registered provider is an organisation, the organisation must appoint a nominated individual. The person named by the organisation should satisfy the same requirements as any individual looking to carry on a supported accommodation service. They will communicate with Ofsted about the supported accommodation service on behalf of the organisation.

Individuals and partnerships do not need to appoint a nominated individual. The individual or partnership must meet the same fitness requirements as nominated individuals. They will also need to nominate a point of contact to communicate with Ofsted.

The nominated individual will perform the functions of, or functions similar to those of, a director, whatever job title they have, for example:

• a director of the organisation
• a manager of the organisation
• a secretary of the organisation
• another officer of the organisation

A nominated individual, individual provider or partner must:

• be of integrity and good character
• have the capacity, appropriate experience and skills to carry on a supported accommodation service across the size and spread of the service
• take account of the statement of purpose and the categories of accommodation to ensure that the registered service manager has the appropriate skills to provide a good-quality service for children
• be mentally and physically fit to carry on the supported accommodation service
• ensure that full and satisfactory information is available in relation to schedule 1 of the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023
• be able to satisfy Ofsted that they are fit and suitable to carry on the supported accommodation service
• be available when contacted by Ofsted
• undertake from time to time such training as is appropriate to ensure that they have the skills necessary for carrying on the supported accommodation service

Ofsted does not register the nominated individual, but we must know who the individual is. This person will need to complete an SC2 form. We will carry out checks, and in most cases will interview them. As a proposed provider, you should only appoint a nominated individual who you have assessed as suitable to represent the service to Ofsted. We may refuse the application if we do not consider the nominated individual to be suitable. We will contact you to discuss our concerns.

Suitability of the nominated individual

Nominated individuals must demonstrate in their written application and interview that they are suitable and have the appropriate capacity, experience and skills to supervise the management of the service on behalf of the organisation. We also consider relevant information about any previous applications they have been or are still associated with.

Find out what to expect at a registration interview.

Service managers

You must ensure that each registered supported accommodation service has a registered service manager. The registered service manager is responsible for carrying out the supported accommodation’s regulatory activities. The service manager must be registered by Ofsted.

The registered service manager will have effective oversight of all the addresses at which children will be living. They will be responsible for the running of the service and accountable for all parts of service delivery. They may delegate day-to-day oversight of individual premises to other managers or staff.

Fitness requirements for service managers 

You must not allow a person to manage a supported accommodation service unless they are fit to do so. A person is not fit to manage a supported accommodation service unless that person: 

• is of integrity and good character
• has the skills and experience necessary for managing the supported accommodation service
• is physically and mentally fit to manage a supported accommodation service
• can ensure that full and satisfactory information is available in respect of each of the matters listed in schedule 1 of the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023

The service manager’s registration is personal to them and is for the supported accommodation service they are applying to manage. It is not transferable to another registered provider or to another service run by you.

Service managers must apply for registration and pay a fee for each application. The service manager must demonstrate that they have the skills, knowledge and experience to meet the registration requirements of the supported accommodation service.

You can read more information on what to expect at an interview Apply to register a supported accommodation service.

In a few cases, we receive applications from service managers who are wholly unfit for registration because they are unable to meet the requirements in relation to integrity and good character. In rare circumstances, some applicants may, similarly, be wholly unfit for registration due to lack of experience, skills and qualifications. For example, they may have no experience of any kind related to working with children. We are likely to refuse applicants who do not meet the registration requirements at an early stage of the process. 

Partners and the manager

When a partner and the registered service manager are the same person, we will assess their fitness for each role.

Individual providers and the manager

If an individual provider and the registered service manager are the same person, we will assess their fitness for each role.

Organisations

Organisations must appoint a registered service manager to manage the supported accommodation service. We will assess the registered service manager’s fitness for the role. In rare circumstances where the nominated individual and service manager are the same person, we will assess their fitness for each role. 

Managing multiple supported accommodation services

A registered service manager will usually only manage one supported accommodation service.

We may consider registering a service manager to manage 2 services run by the same provider. We will only register service managers when we are satisfied that they are able to demonstrate that they have the experience, knowledge and skills to be in full-time day-to-day charge of each service and support the best outcomes for the care of the children effectively.

In addition, we will consider:

• the reason for having one service manager to manage both services
• your arrangements for oversight and support for the manager
• the location of the services and the geographical spread of the service manager’s responsibilities
• your plans for when the registered service manager is absent or the position becomes vacant

It is for you and the manager to demonstrate to us how the arrangements will be effective. 

The service manager must complete an SC2 form for each service they are applying to manage. Each registration is separate. We will consider each application on its own merits and make separate decisions about the service manager’s suitability to manage each service.

We will consider each application for registration and make our decision about whether to grant registration based on the order in which we receive the applications.  

If an existing registered service manager is applying to register as the registered service manager for an additional service, we will only make the registration decision about that application.

Service manager’s application

If we decide to refuse the registered service manager’s application for an additional service, we will issue a notice of proposal. We will explain to the applicant that they can ask to withdraw the second application, and we will accept their written request unless there are safeguarding concerns.

If the applicant does not withdraw their application, we will proceed to a notice of decision and continue to follow the refusal process.

You can read our social care enforcement policy for more details about what happens if we issue a notice of decision to refuse any application to manage a supported accommodation service.

Two service managers for one supported accommodation service

Two individuals may apply to be service managers of a supported accommodation service. There must be no more than one full-time equivalent registered service manager managing a supported accommodation service at any one time, but the role may comprise 2 people job-sharing. In either case, each person must complete an SC2 form and pay an application fee.

We will consider how both registered service managers will be held accountable for meeting the requirements of the Care Standards Act 2000, the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and the guide to the supported accommodation regulations including quality standards

The provider must email sc.suppacc@ofsted.gov.uk before the individual service managers apply. We will contact the applicants to discuss the arrangements. Proposed applicants should wait for a response from Ofsted before submitting an application.

Directors of supported accommodation services

A director is any individual who performs the functions of or similar functions to those of a director, regardless of their job title. It is the applicant’s responsibility to identify directors involved in the carrying on of the supported accommodation service.

Every director of the organisation who is involved in the carrying on of the service must be listed in the SC1 form and submit an SC2 form. ‘Involved’ could include directors involved in finance, in human resources or in some other capacity for the supported accommodation service.

Every director who submits an SC2 form must also provide an enhanced DBS check.  

Conditions of registration

When you are registered, you will be given 2 conditions of registration:

• the categories of supported accommodation you are registered for
• you must tell Ofsted of the address before operating any individual setting

We work with you to determine the conditions of registration. Occasionally, we may apply conditions that you have not agreed to, if we feel they are necessary for the supported accommodation service to operate effectively. In this case, we will issue a notice of proposal to you, which you can object to by making a ‘written representation’ to us.

For information on how to make a written representation, see the Social care enforcement policy.

The conditions of registration are recorded on your registration certificate.

The social care enforcement policy sets out information about actions we may take if you do not follow these conditions.

It is an offence under the Care Standards Act 2000 to operate outside of the conditions set.

Registration stages

The registration process consists of 3 stages:

• the application
• information gathering
• determining suitability

Stage 1: application

The application should include:

• a form about the service provided (SC1 form)
• a form from each associated person (SC2 form)
• any required documents (details of documents required and application information are listed in Apply to register a supported accommodation service and Apply to be associated with a supported accommodation service)

When submitting an SC1 form, you will be given a submission reference number. This is 14 characters long and includes numbers, hyphens and upper-case letters, for example ABCD-1234-1234.

Once we confirm that all the information has been provided, we will ask you to pay the required fees.

Once the required fees are paid, we will allocate a unique reference number (URN) for the service. Everyone who has submitted an SC2 form as part of this application will be linked to the URN. The URN is a 6-digit number and is used to identify the application from this point in the process.

Having a URN does not mean you can operate. You must wait until Ofsted has granted your registration before you can operate.

Stage 2: information gathering

After we have accepted the application, we will contact the local authority children’s services department for any local authority areas the individuals have lived in within the previous 5 years to check whether it holds any relevant information about any of the individuals that may affect their suitability to provide care and have regular contact with children.

Information may include:

• whether an individual is connected with a child protection inquiry
• whether an individual has had a child removed from their care
• whether an individual is subject to ongoing investigations
• whether there are any concerns that children may be at risk of harm on childcare premises
• whether there are any previous childcare professional conduct concerns

Other checks we carry out include:

• requesting references
• further health checks if we require medical advice about any associated individual’s health and well-being

If necessary, we will discuss the information received from suitability checks with the associated individual as part of our decision-making process.

We will contact you to discuss the application and whether any additional information is required.

We may return your application if there are delays in receiving the necessary information; this is when we are ‘unable to determine your application’.

Unable to determine an application

In some situations, we may be unable to progress your application to the next stage or make a decision on it.

This may be because:

• we do not have all the information we need
• there are delays with your references
• there are delays caused by planning or property issues
• other agencies or regulators are carrying out ongoing investigations that involve you
• individuals linked to the application leave or withdraw and you do not identify anyone to replace them

If we are unable to progress your application, we will begin a formal process known as ‘unable to determine an application’. This will warn you that your application may be closed without a decision being made because we do not have all the information we need.

We do not start this process if there are delays in receiving information from local authority checks. We will continue to chase the information so that we can make a decision about the application.

If there is other missing or delayed information, we will write to you to tell you what information we require. If you do not send us the information within 12 weeks of paying your registration fee, we may write to you to tell you that your application has been closed because we have been unable to process it without the relevant information. The fee you paid will not be refunded. Any people associated with the application will also have their applications closed down, and we will not refund their fees. 

Applicants may reapply in the future and pay another fee.

Stage 3: determining suitability

At this stage, the inspector will contact you to arrange site visits and interviews and ask you whether you need any reasonable adjustments.

The inspector will agree and will confirm the following in writing:

• the premises that will be visited (the number of premises will be representative of the service being offered)
• the areas of the properties and accommodation they will need to see
• the policies and procedures that they will wish to review in more detail at the visit
• that the service manager and nominated individual must be present during the visit
• the interview dates and location

You will also be able to contact the inspector prior to the site visit if any premises needs to be changed.

The inspector will need to see at least one bedroom. They will also need to see bathrooms, kitchens and communal spaces.

Registration visit

The site visit will be completed over 1– to 2 days. You will be asked whether you need any reasonable adjustments on the day, but you will have the opportunity to discuss this with the inspector beforehand.

Interviews

Interviews and visits may take place on different days and we will arrange them with each individual. The interview is your opportunity to show us how you meet the requirements of the regulations and guidance. Inspectors will usually interview both the proposed registered service manager and the appointed nominated individual, even if we have interviewed the nominated individual before.

We may also interview any directors, when necessary. The interviews will usually be carried out at the head office or one of the premises that the inspectors will visit, if appropriate.

You can find more information on what to expect at interview and what original documents you must provide in our Apply to register a supported accommodation service guide. 

After the visit and interviews, the inspector will go over with you: 

• a summary of the evidence that they have collected
• a summary of the proposed conditions of registration
• what happens next, including whether you need to provide any more information or whether further interviews are required

Regional manager’s decision

Following the visit and the interviews the inspector will discuss all the evidence with their regional manager. The regional manager will decide whether you will be registered. Occasionally the regional manager may ask for more evidence before making their decision. In these cases, the inspector will contact you.

The regional manager will make separate registration decisions for you and for the supported accommodation registered service manager. They will grant or refuse registration, usually within 7 working days and will send you one of the following:

• a notice of decision to register
• a notice of proposal to change the proposed conditions
• a notice of proposal to refuse registration

Notice of decision to register

If all conditions are agreed between you and us, we will issue a notice of decision to register.

The notice of decision to register confirms that you are now registered with us as a provider. We will send a registration certificate.

Registration certificate 

The registration certificate includes:

• the URN
• the name of the registered provider
• the name of the registered service manager (if applicable)
• the name of the nominated individual (if applicable)
• the name and address of the supported accommodation service
• the date of registration
• any conditions that apply to the registration

The provider must store the certificate in a safe place and be able to provide it on request.

Registration refusal

If we are not satisfied that you can meet the regulatory requirements for registration, we will issue a notice of proposal to refuse the registration.

You will have the opportunity to tell us why we should not refuse the registration. To do this, you must write to us with reasons, also known as ‘representations’, within 28 days of the date that the notice of proposal is served. This time period cannot be extended.

If we do not receive a response within 28 days, we will send a notice of decision to refuse the application.

For more information on the notice of proposal to refuse a registration, see the social care enforcement policy.

What happens if the application is refused

If we refuse the registration, this may have a negative effect on any application you or the registered service manager make in the future.

Withdrawing an application

You may withdraw your application by emailing sc.suppacc@ofsted.gov.uk. We will accept a withdrawal request if we have not already issued a notice of proposal to refuse. We will write to you if we have concerns about your fitness to register as a provider or registered service manager to tell you that we will consider those concerns if you apply in the future.

Notice of proposal: request to withdraw

If we have issued a notice of proposal to refuse an application, you can ask to withdraw the application. We may not allow this if we have concerns about:

• your ability to safeguard children
• other relevant information in the application, for example offences that you have committed

If we refuse a withdrawal request, you can still appeal the notice of proposal. More information can be found in the social care enforcement policy.

If we decide to refuse the registration, we will issue a notice of decision to refuse the application.

Further information

You can go to our Apply to register a supported accommodation service guide for information on the application process, including the documents that you will need to apply and what to expect at interview.

You can read our Reporting changes about a supported accommodation service to Ofsted to find out more about what to expect when registered, including fee payment and making changes.

If you need help with a query that is not covered in these guides or you do not understand what you need to do in your circumstances, contact us at sc.suppacc@ofsted.gov.uk.

Legislation

The following legislative and regulatory frameworks underpin the registration, operation, and oversight of supported accommodation services in England, ensuring that services meet the required standards of care, safety, and governance.

General legislation

• Care Standards Act 2000: sets the legal definitions of all agencies and establishments we register
• Care Standards Act 2000 (Registration) (England) Regulations 2010: details how care providers must register with Ofsted
• Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Fees and Frequency of Inspections) (Children’s Homes etc.) Regulations 2015: sets the fees and inspection frequency for various children’s services

Supported accommodation legislation

• Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023: outlines that all services that accommodate looked after children and care leavers aged 16 and 17 must be registered with Ofsted
• guide to the supported accommodation regulations including quality standards