‘Lack of collective knowledge’ on needs of children in care

There is a ‘lack of collective knowledge’ around the needs of children in care, according to a study by Ofsted, published today.

The report ‘Why do children go into children’s homes?’ draws on responses to surveys and discussions between inspectors and children placed in children’s homes, staff and others to provide insights into the diverse and complex needs of children who go into children’s homes, and the life experiences that led to them living there.

The report calls for further research to be done, including a national audit of children’s needs, to provide better understanding of the experiences of children in care, and of the complexities of sufficiency in children’s social care.