Ofsted plans to change how it inspects children's homes. Here is what could change for you.

Published 27 October 2026 · Drafted with AI, checked by an editor

Ofsted consulted on changes to the SCCIF and ILACS frameworks, including moving beyond headline judgements. The consultation has closed and the outcome is not yet published.

Ofsted's proposals include a shared set of ambitions for both frameworks, closer alignment with the government's reforms, reporting that goes beyond single headline judgements, better ways of hearing from children and families, and a changed ILACS schedule focused on the councils that most need it.

If headline grades give way to more detailed reporting, the evidence behind each judgement matters more than the single word at the top. This is our analysis, not Ofsted's wording. Ofsted has not said when any change would take effect.