Ofsted is consulting on changes to the frameworks used to inspect children’s social care. Providers should follow the proposals carefully while continuing to work against the framework currently in force.
- The consultation opened on 7 July 2026.
- It includes proposed changes to the SCCIF.
- The proposals are not current inspection criteria.
- Historical inspections must retain their applicable framework version.
What is happening?
The consultation covers proposed changes to the Social Care Common Inspection Framework and the framework used for local-authority children’s services. Ofsted says it wants inspection to focus more clearly on what matters to children, young people and families.
Why providers should follow it
Changes to language, reporting and judgement structures may affect how providers organise evidence and explain practice. That does not mean homes should prematurely replace the current framework. Current inspections must still be understood against the framework applicable on the inspection date.
A sensible preparation approach
Providers can review how well their evidence explains children’s experiences, enduring relationships, safety, progress and leadership learning. They can also check that historical inspection evidence remains linked to the correct framework version.
ResiNotes’ position
ResiNotes can support versioned framework mapping and clearly labelled future-framework previews. It does not predict inspection judgements or present consultation proposals as law.
Improving the way Ofsted inspects children’s social care
Published by Ofsted on GOV.UK.
Read the official consultation →