Ofsted cannot routinely inspect unregistered homes and local authorities are not obliged to inform Ofsted when they place children in unregistered care, even though it is illegal for providers to operate such homes.22 In such cases there are no formal checks to ensure that children receive high quality care and that they and the wider community are safe. We expressed concerns over the safety of children in unregistered places, including vulnerability to criminal gangs and to sexual exploitati...

Ofsted cannot routinely inspect unregistered homes and local authorities are not obliged to inform Ofsted when they place children in unregistered care, even though it is illegal for providers to operate such homes.22 In such cases there are no formal checks to ensure that children receive high quality care and that they and the wider community are safe. We expressed concerns over the safety of children in unregistered places, including vulnerability to criminal gangs and to sexual exploitation and abuse, and highlighted that those in illegal homes include some children with court orders taking away their liberty. We emphasised that the curre Type: conclusion | Number: 11 | Response status: response_pending Government response: 2. PAC conclusion: It is unacceptable that children are placed in illegal settings that are not inspected, increasing safety risks and offering no assurance over the quality of care.