Ofsted has announced changes to how it inspects local authority children's services, with updates to its ILACS framework taking effect from April 2026.
The headline judgement is being removed, replaced by a system of three separate practice judgements covering help and protection, children in care, and care leavers, alongside a judgement on the impact of leaders. How frequently a local authority is inspected will now depend on how it performs across those individual judgements.
The updated framework for inspecting local authority children's services (ILACS) places greater emphasis on family networks and multi-agency working, reflecting ongoing children's social care reforms and revised statutory guidance.
Inspectors will also more robustly challenge councils on their use of unregistered children's homes, which Ofsted says continues to put children at risk.
His Majesty's Chief Inspector Sir Martyn Oliver said the changes would ensure inspections reflect the focus of current reforms, including stronger support for keeping children safely within their families.
A wider consultation on a renewed inspection framework is planned for summer 2026, with full implementation expected in 2027.
.png)
