Children’s social care in England: key findings from Ofsted’s Annual Report 2026

According to the latest figures, around 402,000 (3%) of the children living in England are in the social care system, and this includes children in need and children on child protection plans. Around 82,000 of these children are in the care of the local authority.

The report focuses on the different types accommodation and support available to these children and their families.

• There was a 20% increase in the number of children’s homes and a 37% increase in the number of supported accommodation providers from the previous year.

• Whilst the number of children’s homes has increased, the average number of places per home has fallen.

• There was a 6% increase in the number of residential family assessment centres.

• The number of children’s homes rated good or outstanding for ‘help and protection’ and for ‘leadership and management’ remained in line with the previous year.

• There is variation in the quality of the children’s homes and residential family assessment centres across the country.

Whilst the figures show that the number of children’s homes and other accommodation providers are increasing, there are still major difficulties on the ground in identifying and securing the most appropriate placement for children across the country, particularly those who may have additional or complex needs.

The children law team at Russell-Cooke offers expert advice to families who are navigating the care system. We regularly advise young people and their families on the various types of support and accommodation available to them.

Mae Al-Omari is an associate in the family and children team and has extensive experience in representing parents in care proceedings relating to their child. Mae advises on a range of both private and public children law matters, representing children, parents and other family members.