---
title: OFSTED
description: "**OFSTED – who they are, why they visit, and what you must report** The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (**Ofsted**) is an independent public body that inspects schools, colleges and social-care providers—including fostering agencies like Positive…"
url: "https://handbook.co.uk/docs/ofsted/"
updated: "2025-08-13"
category: Foster Carer Handbook
---

# OFSTED

**OFSTED – who they are, why they visit, and what you must report**

The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (**Ofsted**) is an independent public body that inspects schools, colleges and social-care providers—including fostering agencies like Positive Aspirations Group. Their core questions are simple:

- Are children safe?
- Are their outcomes improving?
- Does the agency meet all legal and ethical standards?

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**1 | Inspection cycle and your role**

- **Frequency:** our fostering service is inspected roughly every **three years**.
- **Process:** inspectors tour the office and may visit foster homes; they always ask to speak with foster carers and, where appropriate, children.
- **Co-operation:** please welcome inspectors, answer honestly and provide documents or records they request. Inspection is a chance to showcase good practice *and* highlight anything we could do better.

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**2 | Contacting Ofsted directly**

If—after using the agency’s complaint routes—you still feel an issue is unresolved, you, the child, or any interested adult may contact Ofsted:

- **Address:** Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester M1 2WD
- **General enquiries:** 0300 123 1231 (Mon–Fri 08:00-18:00)
- **Concerns line:** 0300 123 4666
- **Email:** [enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk](mailto:enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk)
- **Online form:** [https://contact.ofsted.gov.uk/contact-form](https://contact.ofsted.gov.uk/contact-form)

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**3 | Notifiable Events – what must reach Ofsted within 24 hours**

Regulation 36 of the Fostering Services Regulations and National Minimum Standard 29 require the agency to alert Ofsted quickly when certain serious incidents occur. Your duty is to **telephone your Supervising Social Worker (SSW) or the out-of-hours manager at once** and complete an Incident Report the same day. The agency then decides whether the event is “notifiable” and files the notification.

Events that **must** be reported include, but are not limited to:

- Discovery that a child is **at risk of sexual exploitation, county lines activity or gang affiliation**.
- **Self-harm** episode or suicidal behaviour.
- **Serious illness, accident, injury** or any hospital admission.
- **Complaint or allegation** against a foster carer or professional.
- **Physical restraint** of a child.
- **Missing child** or unauthorised absence.
- **Suspected radicalisation or extremism**.

If you are unsure, treat it as serious: ring your SSW, record the facts, and let the agency decide.

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**Key message:** Ofsted is both watchdog and ally. Co-operating with inspectors, contacting them when necessary, and reporting notifiable events promptly all contribute to a culture where children’s welfare—and your professionalism—can shine.