Insights from Ofsted’s 2024 Children’s Social Care Survey

Understanding the experiences and voices of young people in social care is critical to delivering quality, person-centred support. The 2024 Ofsted survey gathered responses from children and young people in various social care settings and revealed essential insights that inform improvements in care practices.

By examining these findings, we can ensure that assessments align with the specific needs and perspectives of those in care, providing critical support to professionals, families, and local authorities.

Safety and Emotional Support: Core Needs in Social Care

The survey indicates that a significant portion of children—approximately 82%—feel safe within their care settings, with safety perceptions highest among those in foster care environments. Foster care residents report positive relationships with caregivers, underscoring the importance of solid and nurturing connections in effective social care.

However, children in residential special schools reported comparatively lower safety levels, indicating a need for targeted attention to ensure consistent standards of safety and well-being across all settings.

For ACCA, these findings emphasise the importance of creating tailored assessments prioritising each child’s sense of security. Our independent assessments highlight areas where safety concerns may impact a child’s overall well-being, offering local authorities clear recommendations to address these challenges and strengthen protective measures.

The Role of Stability and Engagement in Well-being

Beyond safety, stability and engagement emerged as significant factors influencing young people’s satisfaction with social care. Children who reported regular involvement in activities or had access to structured recreational time indicated higher levels of happiness and well-being.

Specifically, 75% of respondents stated that having fun activities significantly contributed to their comfort and enjoyment in care, illustrating the value of engagement as a stabilising force for young people in transition.

Our commitment to quality social work assessments reflects this insight. Assessments explore immediate needs and the child’s engagement, social opportunities, and emotional stability within their care environment. This holistic approach ensures that each assessment guides effective planning for activities and interactions that enhance the child’s experience and promote positive mental health.

Advocating for Inclusion: Recognising Individual Voices in Care

One of the survey's most significant findings was that many children and young people appreciate the opportunity to voice their opinions. Approximately 68% of children felt their views were heard by social care staff, while nearly 60% of those in care reported wanting a more active role in decisions affecting their lives.

This statistic highlights an area where social care services can grow by fostering inclusive dialogue and empowering young people to participate in shaping their care experiences.

We support these principles by creating assessments that actively include the perspectives of children and young adults. By capturing and relaying young people’s insights, ACCA’s reports ensure that their voices are considered in the decision-making processes of local authorities and legal teams. This approach enhances care's effectiveness by making it person-centred and responsive to each child’s unique needs.

Insights for a Brighter Future in Social Care

The Ofsted 2024 survey findings provide a valuable roadmap for creating a more responsive, supportive, and inclusive social care environment.

With critical themes emerging around safety, stability, and engagement, ACCA is uniquely positioned to support the sector with high-quality, evidence-based assessments. By addressing each child’s individual experiences, needs, and feedback, ACCA ensures that its recommendations can drive meaningful improvements, helping build a brighter future for children and young people in social care.

Visit the complete report on GOV.UK to explore the full details of the survey and the insights shared.