How to Register a Children's Home with Ofsted: SC1, SC2, Interviews, the Registration Visit and the 2026 Priority System
A step-by-step guide to registering a children's home with Ofsted, current as at August 2026, covering the three registration stages, the July 2026 priority system, SC1 and SC2 forms, required documents, fees, suitability checks, the registration interview and visit, and the Ofsted decision.
LEGAL: Registration with Ofsted is required under the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Care Standards Act 2000 (Registration) (England) Regulations 2010. The Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 contain role-fitness and operational requirements relevant to registration. CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY (updated 10 July 2026): Ofsted's formal registration process has three stages: application, information gathering, and determining suitability. Stage 1 includes the SC1 form, required SC2 forms, and required documents. Once Ofsted confirms all required information has been provided, Ofsted sends an invoice; once fees are paid, Ofsted allocates the URN and begins processing. Having a URN does not mean the home can operate. CURRENT OFSTED PRIORITY POLICY (updated 2 July 2026): Priority applications meeting the criteria, where the applicant supplies the right information and is fully prepared, will generally receive a decision within 6 months. Non-priority applications remain on the waiting list and Ofsted currently gives no timeframe. Ofsted strongly recommends waiting until planning permission is granted, but accepts one of four forms of planning evidence with the application. Ofsted will interview the proposed Registered Manager and usually interviews the Responsible Individual where there is one. Ofsted usually carries out one registration visit. Ofsted does not expect a full staff team to be in place, but there must be enough staff to open and accept the first child. A children's home must not operate until registration has actually been granted.
In this guide
- The three registration stages and what happens at each stage
- How the July 2026 priority system works, including the general 6-month position for priority applications and the no-timeframe position for non-priority applications
- What the SC1 and SC2 forms require, including which individuals need SC2 forms
- The current required supporting documents to submit with the SC1
- The planning evidence options and why planning permission does not always need to be granted before applying
- The financial viability requirements, including business plan and cashflow forecast
- The fee process: invoice after documents are confirmed, not payable on submission
- How suitability checks, interviews, and the registration visit work
- That Ofsted does not expect a full staff team at registration, only enough staff to open
- The unable-to-determine, pausing, and early refusal processes
- That operating before registration is granted is an offence
- The first-inspection SCCIF scheduling and the duty to notify Ofsted when the first child arrives
LEGAL: Registration with Ofsted is required under the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Care Standards Act 2000 (Registration) (England) Regulations 2010 for any person or organisation providing a children's home in England. The Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 contain role-fitness and operational requirements relevant to registration and ongoing operation. CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY (updated 10 July 2026): Ofsted's formal registration process has three stages: (1) application, (2) information gathering, and (3) determining suitability. Stage 1 includes the SC1 form, required SC2 forms, and required documents. Once Ofsted confirms all required information has been provided, Ofsted asks for the required fees. Once fees are paid, Ofsted allocates the home's URN and begins processing. Having a URN does NOT mean the home can operate. CURRENT OFSTED PRIORITY POLICY (updated 2 July 2026): Since 2 July 2026, Ofsted prioritises applications meeting specified criteria. Priority applications that meet the criteria, where the applicant supplies the right information at the right time and is fully prepared and ready to open, will generally receive a decision within 6 months. Non-priority applications remain on the waiting list and Ofsted currently gives no timeframe for processing those applications. CHH PRACTICE: additional practical guidance on preparation, planning, financial viability, and readiness.
The legal framework
This resource covers the formal Ofsted registration process. It assumes you have already done the preparation work: deciding to open a home, developing your model of care, finding a property, addressing planning, and preparing your Statement of Purpose and policies. If you are at an earlier stage, start with the overview of how to open a children's home. Current Ofsted registration guidance is current as at August 2026, with the key Ofsted registration guidance updated 10 July 2026 and prioritisation guidance updated 2 July 2026.
The 2026 Priority System
CURRENT OFSTED PRIORITY POLICY (updated 2 July 2026): Since 2 July 2026, Ofsted prioritises registration applications likely to meet specified categories. Current priority categories include: homes receiving DfE capital funding to develop new children's homes; homes opening exclusively for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children transferred under the national transfer scheme; certain currently unregistered homes accommodating a child subject to a deprivation-of-liberty court order; and exceptional emergency circumstances determined by Ofsted's regional Senior HMI. Exceptional circumstances may include extremely high local demand with insufficient placements, highly specialist provision for children with complex needs or disabled children, and provision historically registered with the wrong regulator. The priority criteria are current Ofsted policy and may change.
CURRENT OFSTED PRIORITY POLICY: The priority system does not relax or disapply the Care Standards Act 2000 or the associated Regulations. All applicants must still meet the same standards. The system affects the order in which applications are processed, not the threshold for registration.
Check current criteria
Provider types
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY: Current Ofsted policy recognises three provider types: an organisation, a partnership, or an individual provider. The registration process differs depending on the provider type. An organisation must appoint a Responsible Individual. An individual provider does not appoint a Responsible Individual. A partnership does not appoint a Responsible Individual. Ofsted does not register the Responsible Individual. The RI completes an SC2 as part of a new registration application, is checked, and in most cases interviewed. Do not assume every provider is a company.
The SC1 Form
CURRENT OFSTED APPLICATION GUIDANCE: The SC1 form is the main application form for registering a children's home. It asks for information about the provider, the service and home, the premises, the associated people, and the proposed registration details. Required supporting documents are uploaded with the application. The form is detailed and requires supporting documents.
CURRENT OFSTED APPLICATION GUIDANCE: Ofsted strongly recommends applicants wait until any required planning permission has been granted before applying. However, an applicant may provide one of: evidence of planning permission; confirmation from the local authority that no planning permission is required; confirmation that the property's existing use class permits the proposal; or a copy of the planning application. Ofsted cannot carry out the registration visit until one of those forms of evidence has been supplied. If only a planning application is supplied and full permission is not received within 12 weeks, Ofsted may be unable to make a decision. Registration cannot ultimately be granted without appropriate planning permission where permission is required.
You can submit the SC1 form early to get in the queue and provide the supporting documents later.
CURRENT OFSTED APPLICATION GUIDANCE: For ordinary applications, Ofsted cannot accept the application unless required documents and required SC2 forms have been provided. Submitting early with missing documents does not get you ahead in the process. Current priority arrangements contain specific exceptions for qualifying urgent applications, where specified policy or document placeholders may be permitted using the required self-declaration process in defined urgent cases.
The SC2 Form
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY: The SC2 form is the suitability check form for individuals associated with the application. Persons in relevant roles associated with the application may need SC2 forms. For a new organisation application, current policy requires relevant directors involved in carrying on the home to be identified and complete SC2 forms. Partners also require the relevant SC2 process. The proposed registered manager completes an SC2. Where applicable, the Responsible Individual completes an SC2. The SC2 requires personal information, employment history, references, and consent to checks. Ofsted uses this form to assess the suitability of the individuals who will run the home. Not every person associated with the organisation automatically has identical checks; current role-specific Ofsted guidance applies.
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY: The checks carried out depend on the individual's role. Current Ofsted policy expressly says directors are not required to provide a DBS certificate as part of their SC2 application. The provider remains responsible for appropriate checks. Ofsted may request further health checks if it needs medical advice about an associated individual's health and wellbeing. Not every associated person automatically undergoes an identical DBS or health-check process. Individuals should be prepared for the checks relevant to their role and should ensure the information they provide is accurate and complete.
Required Documents
CURRENT OFSTED APPLICATION GUIDANCE: With the SC1, current guidance requires the following supporting documents: Statement of Purpose; appropriate planning evidence; certificate of insurance OR written confirmation that insurance will be in place; children's guide; missing child policy; positive behaviour support policy; safeguarding policy; prevention of bullying policy; complaints procedure; location assessment; evidence of financial viability, including business plan and cashflow forecast; if registering as a company, up to the last 2 annual reports or accounts where applicable; charitable objects where applicable; and partnership agreement where applicable. Other documents may be requested at later stages, including at the registration visit. Do not present staffing lists, rotas, or training plans as part of the initial statutory upload list unless current Ofsted guidance puts them there.
CHH PRACTICAL GUIDANCE: The documents should be specific to your home and the children you plan to care for. Generic templates that are not tailored to your home may not meet the standard. Ofsted is looking for evidence that you have thought through how your home will operate and how it will meet the Quality Standards.
Do
Do not
Financial viability
CURRENT OFSTED APPLICATION GUIDANCE: Current Ofsted application guidance requires, subject to provider-type exceptions, a business plan, a cashflow forecast, and relevant annual reports or accounts. The business plan should cover as a minimum: background, marketing plan, financial plan, and operational plan. The operational plan includes evidence and planning around the manager, sufficient initial staff, recruitment as occupancy increases, staff turnover, and recruitment and training as children's needs change. The cashflow forecast should project monthly income and expenditure for the first 12 months. New companies do not need to submit annual reports or accounts. Do not imply every new company has 2 years of historic accounts.
Insurance
CURRENT OFSTED APPLICATION GUIDANCE: The home must have appropriate insurance before it starts operating. If the insurer will not issue the certificate before registration, Ofsted accepts written confirmation that the certificate will be in place before the home starts operating. A certificate of insurance OR written confirmation that insurance will be in place is accepted with the application.
Fees
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY: The applicant submits the application. Ofsted confirms it has all the documents and information needed to process it. Ofsted then sends an invoice. The required registration fee is paid. Ofsted begins processing and allocates the URN. The registration fee is non-refundable. There is also a registration fee for each Registered Manager application, including a new manager joining during the registration process. Fees are set by DfE and reviewed and updated annually. Check the current fee schedule on the Ofsted website before applying. Do not add a monetary amount unless verified against the current 2026 fee schedule.
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY: Once registered, an annual children's social care fee is payable. The annual fee is payable each year while the home is registered. Budget for this as part of your ongoing operating costs. Fees are set by DfE and reviewed and updated annually.
Ofsted Suitability Checks
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY: Ofsted conducts a range of checks on the individuals applying to run the home, tailored to the individual's role. These may include DBS checks (role-dependent), health declarations, reference checks, and checks on previous registration history. Current Ofsted policy expressly says directors are not required to provide a DBS certificate as part of their SC2 application. Ofsted may request further health checks if it needs medical advice about an associated individual's health and wellbeing. The checks are designed to ensure that the individuals are suitable to run a children's home and to care for vulnerable children.
The checks can take time, particularly if there are complexities in an individual's history. Applicants should be honest and forthcoming about any issues that may arise. Attempting to conceal information is likely to lead to refusal and may have legal consequences.
The Registration Interview
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY: Ofsted will interview the person applying to be the Registered Manager. Ofsted usually interviews the Responsible Individual where there is one. Ofsted may also interview the individual provider, a partner, or directors as necessary. The interview is designed to assess whether the individuals understand their responsibilities, know the regulatory framework, and have the knowledge and skills to run a children's home. The Responsible Individual only exists for an organisation.
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY: Current Ofsted guidance assesses areas including safeguarding, leadership and management, staff performance, quality assurance, risk, multi-agency working, the Statement of Purpose, the Regulations and Quality Standards, children's needs, relationships, child development, trauma, and behaviour support. The interview is not a test of memory but an assessment of understanding and readiness.
CHH good practice
The Registration Visit
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY: Ofsted usually carries out one registration visit for each application. For multi-building applications, Ofsted visits all buildings included in the application. During the visit, Ofsted assesses the premises, the proposed services, relevant documents and information, and suitability and readiness. The visit is designed to check that the premises are suitable, that the home is ready to operate, and that the arrangements in place meet the regulatory requirements.
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY: Ofsted expressly says it does not expect a full staff team to be in place. There must, however, be enough staff with the right experience and qualifications for the home to open and for the home to be ready to accept its first child or initial number of children. Do not tell applicants they need their complete future staffing establishment before registration. The visit is not a trial run; it is a real assessment of whether the home is ready to operate.
Documents during the visit
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY: Current Ofsted guidance distinguishes documents submitted with SC1 from information assessed later. At or before the registration visit, inspectors may request additional information including: staffing list, rota, recruitment information, qualification and identity documents, relevant record-keeping systems, business development information, and other readiness evidence. Do not merge this later-stage evidence into the initial SC1 document list.
The Ofsted Decision
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY: Following the suitability stage, Ofsted may issue: a notice of decision to register; a notice of proposal concerning conditions; or a notice of proposal to refuse. Where registration is granted, the registration certificate records matters including the URN, the provider, the manager where applicable, the RI where applicable, the home name and address, the date, and the registration conditions. Do not imply every difference in proposed conditions is automatically a final grant.
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY: A notice of proposal to refuse allows written representations within 28 days. If Ofsted subsequently issues a notice of decision to refuse, the statutory appeal process then applies. Do not imply the first notice is the final refusal decision. The first notice is a proposal; the applicant has the right to make written representations before a final decision is reached.
Unable to determine
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY (updated 10 July 2026): Ofsted may be unable to progress an application because of issues such as missing information, planning or property delay, references, external investigations, or key individuals withdrawing without replacement. Where required information remains outstanding, Ofsted may begin the formal unable-to-determine process. Current policy includes a 12-week information period after payment in relevant circumstances. Fees are not refunded if the application is closed through this process. This is not automatic refusal; it is a distinct process.
Pausing applications
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY (updated 10 July 2026): Current policy contains a separate pausing provision. Ofsted may temporarily not progress the application while relevant proceedings, investigations, or processes involving key applicants are completed. This is not itself a suitability decision. Do not confuse paused with refused or unable to determine.
Early refusal
CURRENT OFSTED REGISTRATION POLICY (updated 10 July 2026): Current policy makes clear Ofsted can, in some circumstances, reach a proposed refusal decision before interviewing everyone or carrying out the registration visit. Do not state that every application necessarily reaches interview and visit before refusal is possible.
Operating while the application is pending
LEGAL: It remains an offence to provide or manage a children's home without registration while the application is being processed. Having submitted the SC1, paid the fee, received a URN, or passed a registration visit does not itself authorise operation. Operation starts only once Ofsted grants registration. A children's home must not operate until registration has actually been granted.
Once Ofsted grants registration, the hard part is over and the home can operate without close scrutiny.
Registration is the start of Ofsted's oversight, not the end. The home will be inspected regularly. The home should be prepared for ongoing monitoring from day one. Registration alone does not mean the home can operate without meeting ongoing regulatory requirements.
Post-Registration
CURRENT OFSTED RESPONSIBILITIES GUIDANCE (updated 10 July 2026): Providers must notify Ofsted when they begin accommodating children for the first time. Registration alone does not mean Ofsted automatically knows when the first child arrives. The home should use the period between registration and the first inspection to embed its systems, train staff, and ensure that the policies on paper are reflected in day-to-day practice.
CHH PRACTICAL GUIDANCE: The home should also begin its compliance cycle after registration. Regulation 44 monthly visit duty applies once registered, and current Ofsted guidance says reports continue even if no children live there. Regulation 45 has its own six-monthly review and report framework. Staff supervision, training, and the ongoing quality assurance process should also begin. These should be planned from the point of registration, not left until the first inspection. Cross-reference the corrected Regulation 44 and Regulation 45 resources for the detail of those duties.
The first inspection
CURRENT SCCIF (updated 1 April 2026): Newly registered homes registered between 1 April and 30 September usually receive at least one inspection between 1 October and 31 March. Homes registered between 1 October and 31 March usually receive their first inspection between 1 April and 30 September of the following inspection year. The provider must tell Ofsted when the first child arrives. Ofsted may inspect earlier where there is concerning information. If no children are present at the first inspection after registration, Ofsted carries out an assurance inspection focused on continued registration requirements and readiness.
Tools to Help You
- Opening TrackerTrack the full opening journey, including the registration process, from preparation through to your first inspection.
- Ofsted Readiness CheckerOnce registered, assess your readiness for your first Ofsted inspection under the SCCIF.
- Compliance CalendarSet up your compliance cycle from day one: Regulation 44 visits, Regulation 45 reviews, supervision, and training.
Registration Checklist
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: The property is secured and appropriate planning evidence is available (planning permission, confirmation no permission is required, confirmation existing use class permits the proposal, or a copy of the planning application)
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: The Statement of Purpose is drafted and specific to your home
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: The children's guide is prepared
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: Missing child policy, positive behaviour support policy, safeguarding policy, prevention of bullying policy, and complaints procedure are in place and tailored to your home
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: Location assessment is complete
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: Evidence of financial viability is prepared, including business plan and cashflow forecast
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: Certificate of insurance OR written confirmation insurance will be in place before the home starts operating
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: If registering as a company, up to the last 2 annual reports or accounts where applicable
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: Charitable objects where applicable
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: Partnership agreement where applicable
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: The provider type is identified (organisation, partnership, or individual provider)
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: The proposed registered manager is identified and has completed an SC2 form
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: Where applicable, the Responsible Individual is identified and has completed an SC2 form (organisation only)
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: Relevant directors or partners involved in carrying on the home are identified and have completed SC2 forms where required
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: You have checked the current priority criteria on the Ofsted website
- BEFORE / WITH SC1: You have reviewed the Children's Homes Regulations and the Quality Standards
- LATER REGISTRATION READINESS: Staffing list, rota, recruitment information, qualification and identity documents, and record-keeping systems are ready for the registration visit
- LATER REGISTRATION READINESS: Enough staff with the right experience and qualifications are in place for the home to open and accept its first child (not the full future team)
- LATER REGISTRATION READINESS: You have prepared for the registration interview and visit
Child-centred questionIf a child moves into this home, will the adults here understand what they need and be ready to care for them from day one?
Related Resources
How to Open a Children's Home in England
The overview of the entire opening process, from deciding to open through to registration and operation.
Location Assessments and Regulation 46
The location assessment process that should be completed before applying for registration.
Writing Your Statement of Purpose
How to write the Statement of Purpose that forms part of your registration application.
Staffing: Ratios, Rotas, Qualifications
The staffing plan you need in place before registration.
The 9 Quality Standards
The Quality Standards framework that your home must meet from the point of registration.
Key takeaways
- 01Registration is under the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Care Standards Act 2000 (Registration) (England) Regulations 2010; the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 contain role-fitness and operational requirements
- 02The registration process has three stages: application, information gathering, and determining suitability
- 03Stage 1 includes the SC1 form, required SC2 forms, and required documents; Ofsted sends an invoice only once it has all required information, then allocates the URN and begins processing
- 04Having a URN does not mean the home can operate; a children's home must not operate until registration has actually been granted
- 05Since 2 July 2026, Ofsted prioritises applications meeting specified criteria; priority applications will generally receive a decision within 6 months if criteria and readiness are met
- 06Non-priority applications remain on the waiting list and Ofsted currently gives no timeframe for processing them
- 07The Responsible Individual is required only for an organisation; individual providers and partnerships do not appoint an RI; Ofsted does not register the RI
- 08Ofsted strongly recommends waiting until planning permission is granted, but accepts one of four forms of planning evidence with the application
- 09Ofsted does not expect a full staff team to be in place at registration; there must be enough staff to open and accept the first child
- 10The priority system affects processing order, not the threshold for registration; it does not relax or disapply the Care Standards Act or associated Regulations
Related resources
Guides and tools that connect to this one.
How to Open a Children's Home in England
Opening a children's home is not simply a case of finding a suitable property and applying to Ofsted.
Preparing for Ofsted Inspection: Understanding the SCCIF for Children's Homes
How Ofsted inspects children's homes under the Social Care Common Inspection Framework: the three judgement areas, how evidence is gathered and how to…
Children's Home Location Assessments and Regulation 46
A children's home location assessment should answer a deceptively simple question: is this the right place for this home and the children it intends t…
Writing Your Children's Home Statement of Purpose
A Statement of Purpose should answer three fundamental questions: Who is this home for? What are we trying to achieve? How will we actually do it? Reg…
Staffing a Children's Home: Ratios, Rotas, Qualifications & Workforce Planning
There is no universal Ofsted staff-to-child ratio. Regulation 13 requires sufficient staffing based on children's actual needs.
What to do next
Sources and further reading
This guidance references the following official sources. Always consult the underlying legislation and official guidance where appropriate.
Legislation
Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 — unregistered children's homes enforcement provisions
Legislation · Legislation
Accessed 2026-08-10
Care Standards Act 2000 — Part 2 and the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015
Legislation · Legislation
Accessed 2026-08-10
Ofsted guidance
Register a Children's Home: Guidance for Applicants (updated 10 July 2026)
Ofsted · Ofsted Guidance · Care Standards Act 2000; Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015
Accessed 2026-08-10
Registering Children's Homes: Prioritising Applications (updated 2 July 2026)
Ofsted · Ofsted Guidance
Accessed 2026-08-10
Children's Homes Registration Policy
Ofsted · Ofsted Guidance
Accessed 2026-08-10
Current SC2 guidance for individuals applying to be associated with a children's home
Ofsted · Ofsted Guidance
Accessed 2026-08-10
Official publications
Children's Social Care Registration Fee Schedule 2026/27 (effective 1 April 2026)
Ofsted / Department for Education · Official Publication
Accessed 2026-08-10
About this guidance
The Children's Home Hub provides independent guidance designed to make children's-home registration easier to understand. Ofsted's registration and prioritisation arrangements are current policy as at August 2026 (registration guidance updated 10 July 2026; prioritisation guidance updated 2 July 2026) and may change, so applicants should check the live Ofsted guidance immediately before making significant financial or registration decisions. The Hub Registration Readiness Audit is practical guidance rather than an Ofsted-prescribed assessment. Registration fees are stored as time-sensitive data and should be re-checked against the live Ofsted/DfE fee schedule each April.