Make a referral
1. Check Ofsted registration
Every provider of supported accommodation for looked-after 16–17 year olds and care leavers in England must be registered with Ofsted. Search the provider on the Ofsted website, note their URN, and check the registration covers the type of accommodation you need.
Ofsted began inspecting supported accommodation in 2024, so newer providers may not have an inspection report yet. If there is one, read it in full.
2. Read the statement of purpose
Every registered provider must publish a statement of purpose. It should tell you who the service is for, the support offered, how many young people live in each home, and how staff are recruited and trained. Check what they say matches what you're told.
3. Ask about safeguarding
The regulations require specific policies. Ask to see them, and ask how staff use them day to day:
- Safeguarding policy
- Missing child policy
- Behaviour management policy
- Contingency or business continuity plan
- Complaints procedure
- How young people get help 24 hours a day in a crisis
4. Understand the support on offer
Support hours and content vary a lot between providers. Ask for specifics:
- How many hours of support each young person gets, and what happens outside those hours
- How support plans are written with the young person and linked to their care or pathway plan
- Help with education, training or employment
- Independence skills such as budgeting, cooking and managing a tenancy
- How additional support is arranged and priced if needs increase
5. Look at the home and the match
Ask how the provider decides whether a young person is a good match for the existing household, and how they assess risk. Check that each young person has a private, secure bedroom, that the home is well kept, and that the provider assesses the location at least once a year, as the regulations require.
6. Ask about staffing
Good support depends on good staff. Ask about safer recruitment and DBS checks, staff training, supervision, and how continuity is kept so young people aren't constantly meeting new faces.
7. Check how they review quality
Providers must review the quality of their support at least every six months and share the report with Ofsted. Placing authorities can ask for a copy: it's one of the best ways to see how a provider reflects on its own practice.
Questions to ask every provider
- What is your Ofsted URN, and when were you last inspected?
- How quickly do you respond to referrals, including emergency ones?
- How many young people live in each home, and how do you match them?
- How many hours of support will this young person receive, and who provides it?
- How do you work with the young person's social worker and personal adviser?
- Can we see your latest quality of support review report?
- How do you support young people to move on well?
Related guides
Placing a 16–17 year old in Bristol?
Make a referral