Regulation 44 visits for children's homes

Independent Regulation 44 visits and monthly reports

Regulation 44 visits are a legal requirement for every children's home under the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015. Our independent visitors evidence quality and safeguarding for Ofsted. Visits can be unannounced.

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Who you’ll work with

Children's homes have a duty to provide safe, high-quality care to vulnerable children and young people. Regulation 44 visits assess whether the home is meeting the required standards and providing a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.

Our visitors are experienced sector experts, including former Responsible Individuals and Registered Managers of Ofsted-registered homes. Each visit ends in a written report on whether children are effectively safeguarded and whether the home promotes their well-being. The regulations require that report to go to Ofsted, placing authorities and your leadership team, so it has to stand up to scrutiny.

What a Regulation 44 visit covers

An independent monthly visit to your home
Review of safeguarding, safety and quality of care
The views of children, staff and stakeholders
A written report after every visit, sent to Ofsted and placing authorities as the regulations require

Regulation 44 visits: common questions

What is a Regulation 44 visit?

A visit to a children's home by an independent person, required by regulation 44 of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015. The registered person must make sure the visits happen, and each visit ends in a written report.

How often must Regulation 44 visits take place?

At least once each month. The regulations allow a visit to be unannounced.

What does the Regulation 44 report cover?

The report must give the independent person's opinion on whether children are effectively safeguarded and whether the conduct of the home promotes their well-being. Our visitors also look at health and wellbeing, education, children's rights and participation, and the home's environment.

Who receives the Regulation 44 report?

The independent person must send a copy to Ofsted, the placing authorities of children in the home, the registered provider, the registered manager if there is one, and the Responsible Individual if one is nominated. The local authority for the area gets a copy on request.