Care homes in England reject vulnerable children to protect Ofsted ratings

Young people with complex needs face long waits for places because providers fear negative watchdog reports

Some care homes in England are refusing to take children with complex needs because they are worried it might affect their Ofsted inspection ratings, fuelling concern that vulnerable young people in the social care system are having to wait months or even years for a stable home.

Last month, an Ofsted report said nine out of 10 councils often struggle to find homes for children with complex needs, with some local authorities having to resort to unregistered placements as an alternative to registered care homes.