Ofsted registration support for children's services

Setting up a children's home is a complex, high-stakes registration. Our team, including former Responsible Individuals and Registered Managers of Ofsted-registered homes, guides you through the application, the evidence and the interview.

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Who you’ll work with

What is Ofsted registration?

Ofsted registration is the legal approval needed before anyone carries on or manages a children's home in England: doing either without it is an offence under section 11 of the Care Standards Act 2000. Ofsted assesses the provider, the Responsible Individual, the Registered Manager and the home itself, including fit person interviews and a visit to the premises.

How we support your registration

We support providers registering children's homes, residential family centres, fostering agencies and other Ofsted-regulated services, whether you are opening a new service or expanding an existing one.

Application preparation
We manage the full registration process: compiling a robust application with the detailed forms and supporting documentation Ofsted requires, and handling submission through the Ofsted portal.
Statement of Purpose and policies
A Statement of Purpose and the policy set built around your service, including safeguarding and Regulation 44 arrangements. Our in-house Social Care Policies team writes each set bespoke, tailored and branded to your service and aligned with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, covering safeguarding, HR and management policies. A dedicated Policy Manager keeps it up to date as Ofsted's requirements change, and you can access it through HLTH Manage.
Pre-registration compliance audit
Before you submit, we audit the home against the regulations: property suitability and environmental compliance, policies and procedures, staff qualifications, DBS checks and recruitment, and overall operational readiness to meet the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015. We also support your business plan and check financial viability. You get clear recommendations to close any gaps before Ofsted's assessment.
Mock fit person interviews
The fit person interview is one of the hardest parts of registration. The Responsible Individual and Registered Manager must show their knowledge of the regulations, their leadership and their grip on governance. We run realistic mock interviews, give constructive feedback and coach both people on what Ofsted expects.

Their in-depth knowledge of Ofsted regulations, attention to detail, and proactive approach made the entire process far more manageable.
Registered Manager, Briar Dene ChildcareCHILDREN'S SERVICES / OFSTED

What Ofsted will expect to see

The main requirements for registering a children's home, and where we help:

A registered provider and, for an organisation such as a company or charity, a Responsible Individual with relevant experience of children's residential care
A Registered Manager who passes Ofsted's fit person interview. Under regulation 28 of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, a manager needs relevant experience and must attain the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England), or a qualification the provider considers equivalent, within three years of starting to manage a home
A Statement of Purpose covering the matters in Schedule 1 of the 2015 Regulations, with a copy provided to Ofsted
A children's guide that tells children what to expect from the home, how to raise concerns and how to get advocacy support
Policies covering safeguarding, behaviour management, complaints and staff recruitment
A suitable property with the right planning permissions, fire safety arrangements and insurance
Evidence of financial viability, such as a business plan, financial forecasts and bank references

Ofsted registration: common questions

Do I need to register a children's home with Ofsted?

Yes. Under section 11 of the Care Standards Act 2000, anyone who carries on or manages a children's home without being registered commits an offence.

What is a Responsible Individual?

Where the provider is an organisation, such as a company or charity, it appoints a Responsible Individual. The Responsible Individual should have relevant experience of children's residential care and be able to show leadership and governance. Ofsted interviews them as part of registration.

What is the fit person interview?

It is Ofsted's interview of the Responsible Individual and the Registered Manager. Each must show their knowledge of the regulations, their leadership and their governance. We run mock interviews to prepare both people.

Does a children's home need a Statement of Purpose?

Yes. Regulation 16 of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 requires a statement of purpose covering the matters listed in Schedule 1, and a copy must go to Ofsted.

What qualification does the Registered Manager need?

Regulation 28 of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 sets the experience and qualification a manager needs. The manager must have worked for at least two years, within the last five, in a position relevant to the residential care of children, and for at least one year in a role supervising and managing care staff. They must attain the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England), or a qualification the registered provider considers equivalent, within three years of starting to manage a home.

Can you guarantee Ofsted registration?

No. No one can guarantee a regulator's decision. What we can do is help you submit a complete application, get the home and the paperwork ready, and prepare your Responsible Individual and Registered Manager for interview.