In a former life I used to be a legal advisor to Ofsted. These days I advise applicants for registration and existing care providers about Ofsted regulation and inspection.
My team at Gordons Partnership has had a number of successes recently on Ofsted cases which include:
- Overturning three notices of proposal to refuse registration to carry on children’s homes or supported accommodation services, as well as the three linked proposals to refuse to register the managers;
- Persuading Ofsted to withdraw a notice of proposal to cancel the registration of a children’s home based on submitting compelling written representations backed up by a verbal presentation led by an experienced children’s home consultant; and
- Getting Ofsted to change an inspector who was due to carry out a follow-up pre-registration site visit on the basis of (1) concerns around their conduct during a previous visit, (2) the risk of the appearance of bias given our client had complained about them and (3) the potential adverse impact on the mental health of the proposed responsible individual and manager.
Recent Ofsted Cases: Key Take-aways
The key take-aways from these cases are as follows:
- We worked in partnership with our clients to come up with an appropriate strategy and plan.
- Our clients were open and transparent with Ofsted. Where apologies were due, they were provided. Where changes were needed, action was taken to address Ofsted’s concerns. Where we disagreed with Ofsted, we set matters out clearly and politely, backed up by evidence.
- The role of the experienced children’s service consultant was crucial in several of these cases to achieving the desired result.
- Ofsted listened to our arguments and responded to them in a reasonable and fair manner.
The result is there are three new children’s services out there and a fourth has a chance to continue and prosper under new management.
To speak to our specialist Health and Social Care Solicitors, call us on 01483 451 900. Alternatively, you can email us or make an online enquiry, and we will call you.
About the Author
Neil Grant
Partner
Tel: 01483 451 900
Email: Neil@gordonsols.co.uk