Children: Social Services
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the of the impact of private equity investment on staffing in (a) children’s home (b) fostering services and (c) special educational needs schools.
Answered by Josh MacAlister
Workforce data shows differences between staff in private and local authority homes, however the department does not have a breakdown for homes with private equity investment. For example, staff and managers in local authority homes are generally paid more, while staff in private homes tend to have less sector experience.
The department has commissioned an expert-led review of the children’s home workforce, which will inform future career standards. These will set out expectations for all staff in children’s homes, including those with private equity investment.
Independent special schools play an important role for children with complex needs, but to address concerns about high-cost, profit-driven models, the government plans to legislate to ensure local authorities pay a reasonable price for placements.
We are currently undertaking a detailed analysis of the specialist sector, looking at provision models and outcomes within independent schools, to ensure changes are rooted in robust evidence.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →