First Stage - Planning and preparation
When considering embarking on the journey to provide supported accommodation, you must ensure that you are fully prepared and equipped with the necessary resources. This begins with a well-thought-out plan and a thorough understanding of the service you wish to deliver. Your decision should align with your expertise and capacity. Do not chew more than you can handle. You must be prepared to work hard, focus, and take ownership and responsibility. Our aim at Caretips is to support and empower you to be independent and improve your practice.
- Ensure you have the financial clout to sustain operations effectively. The minimum registration fee with Ofsted is £4500.
- Choose the type of supported accommodation you want to provide, ensuring the location is safe and suitable.
- There should be a nominated individual and registered manager in place. The registered manager should have at least two years of recent experience in a leadership and management role working with children. They should also have qualifications or be working towards (management and leadership qualifications).
- All directors who will be working directly with children should be declared. They will be expected to complete the SC2 form.
- Be ready to embrace Ofsted's four standards to maintain quality and compliance.
Stage 2 - The Application
The application is only complete when the SC1 and all SC2s have been submitted. We complete your SC1 and ensure all evidence is included, such as policies, business plans, and financial forecasts. We will also declare that insurance will be in place before you commence your service. Ofsted might require further evidence, such as a letter of intent.
All declared directors, the nominated individual and the registered manager should complete SC2 forms. An invite will be sent directly to each individual when we submit the SC1 form. You will need to have access to your own government gateway account to complete your SC2 form. You will usually be expected to have a DBS on update service with a check on children. You should declare any business interest, including your work history, from age 16. There should not be any gaps of more than seven days. Any gaps should be clearly explained. Ofsted will also require your address details for the past five years. They expect you to provide at least two references and complete a medical questionnaire.
Caretips will help you complete your SC2 forms. Ofsted normally processes the application between 3 to 10 weeks.