The inspection framework, introduced in April 2021, sets out how Ofsted will inspect the quality and effectiveness of Cafcasss private and public law practice with children and families and the impact of leaders on private and public law practice with children and families. In evaluating the impact of the service, the inspection will also evaluate how well Cafcass positively influences the effectiveness of the family justice system both locally and nationally.
Updates to this page
Published 17 March 2021 Last updated 17 December 2024 +show all updates
Applications to the High Court to deprive children of their liberty have been added to the Scope section to make it clear that these are included.Further, a paragraph has been added under Off-site evaluation in the Inspections section, to set out that inspectors off-site evaluation activity may include speaking to the judiciary, local authority senior leaders and any other stakeholders who are likely to provide insights.The documents listed in 'Cafcass Annex A: information and data request' have also been updated. More detail has been added and the items numbered. Finally, a 'Summary of framework changes' document has been added to the page.
In the Notifying Cafcass and requesting information 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.
This framework has been updated to clarify that, when applying the handbook, inspectors will take appropriate action to comply with Ofsteds Equality Act duties, clarification on the opportunities for the centre to discuss and/or provide information on potential equalities duties, including reasonable adjustments for individuals, clarification regarding Ofsteds updated arrangements for publishing the report, quality assurance and handling concerns and complaints in line with Ofsteds new complaints process in the timeframe sections, references to Ofsteds pausing process, and minor revision to the Inspection activity and gathering evidence section (what inspectors will take into account when evaluating childrens experience).
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 providers 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.
Correction to the wording of the relevant (outstanding) evaluation criteria.
