Guidance

Register an independent fostering agency: guidance for applicants

How to register with Ofsted and apply to open, manage, or be associated with an independent fostering agency.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

This guidance explains the policies and registration requirements Ofsted uses to assess your application to run a independent fostering agency.

It also outlines what to expect after your independent fostering agency is registered.

Updates to this page

Published 11 November 2014
Last updated 28 November 2025 show all updates
  1. Independent fostering agencies guidance updated. The guidance is now organised into 4 clear sections: - Independent fostering agencies registration policy - Apply to register an independent fostering agency - Apply to be associated with an independent fostering agency - Responsibilities of providers and managers in Ofsted-registered independent fostering agencies

  2. Removed the need for a financial reference, following a change in legislation.

  3. Revised throughout for clarity.

  4. First published.

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