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We have clarified the list of the provider types that the SCCIF applies to, adding 鈥楽upported accommodation for looked-after children and care leavers aged 16 and 17鈥� in the Introduction section. We have also clarified the content of the inspection report in The inspection report section and our policy on publishing monitoring reports. In response to the Big Listen, we have made several changes to the inspection principles, evaluation criteria and sampling criteria that relate to improving placement stability for children and young people.

We have clarified the process to raise concerns or complaints during and after an inspection. We have updated the reference to relevant legislation in the 'Frequency of inspection' section. In the 鈥楽tart of the inspection鈥� section, we have clarified how the provider can request any adaptations to the inspection process due to a protected characteristic, or any reasonable adjustments due to a disability. We have made minor changes to the evaluation criteria and on-site inspection sections to reference non-speaking children.

This framework has been updated to clarify that, when applying the framework, inspectors will take appropriate action to comply with Ofsted鈥檚 Equality Act duties, clarification on the opportunities for providers to discuss and/or provide information on potential equalities duties, including reasonable adjustments for individuals, clarification regarding Ofsted鈥檚 updated arrangements for publishing the report, quality assurance and handling concerns and complaints in line with Ofsted鈥檚 new complaints process in the timeframe sections, references to Ofsted鈥檚 pausing process, minor revisions to the evaluation criteria re children鈥檚 health needs, additional guidance in the 鈥楻equest for information at an inspection鈥� section on a letter that can be circulated to foster carers, updated guidance on monitoring visits and updated section on reporting concerns about the administration and management of controlled drugs.

Additional guidance on deferring an inspection, inspector conduct during inspections, when and how the provider can raise issues, concerns or complaints during and after the inspection, supporting the well-being of the provider鈥檚 managers and staff during inspections and visits, attendance at keeping in touch meetings, discussions with staff and feedback meetings and who the provider may share provisional and final inspection outcomes with.

Guidance added to the 鈥業nadequate judgements: next steps鈥� section on feeding back to local authorities.

Minor changes to the evaluation criteria to align, where applicable, with other framework changes on children鈥檚 progress, the management of risk, the use of restraint and the need to appoint a registered manager, if the post is vacant, within 26 weeks. Small change to guidance for inspectors on recording evidence in the inspection database.

Minor edits for clarity in the 'Monitoring visit' section and revised text referencing the updated 'Ofsted code of conduct' policy.

Added SCCIF guidance for April 2022: updated with additional guidance for when inspectors discover possible unregistered provision.

Removed guidance on assurance visits, as we are no longer carrying these out.

Guidance on inspecting independent fostering agencies during COVID-19 restrictions. Updated guidance to reflect changes to Ofsted鈥檚 post-inspection processes and complaints handling (including the timeline) that we introduced in September 2020. Minor edits for readability.

First published.