The fifth edition of the Children’s Services UK Market Report is essential reading for anyone involved in this vital part of the UK’s social care sector, be they a provider, a commissioner, an investor, an advisor or a policy maker. Written and researched by leading industry expert and commentator, Philip Blackburn, this industry standard report provides unique and in-depth into all areas of the market, and specifically focuses on children in care markets foster care, adoption, children’s residential care, and special education, and also covers leaving care and safeguarding segments.
Written during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the report includes an introduction which considers the impact that Covid-19 has had on different segments of the children’s services market. It shows circumstances have created an expectation of increased demand to be met in the wake of lockdown. This highlights funding issues, with an annual gap of several billion pounds identified even before the pandemic.
The report also gives a full assessment of the state of the market in the run up to the coronavirus pandemic, which was characterised by strong growth in residential placements, pupils in special schools and colleges, and spending on care leaving services. Already there was a shortage of suitable residential placements in some areas of the country, especially in specialist care. Ofsted reported a surge in new applications for new children’s residential capacity following the Covid-19 lockdown.
The Conservative Party Manifesto for the 2019 General Election committed to a review of the care system. The impact of Covid-19 on families, children and young people has strengthened the need for a new look at funding priorities and strategic direction within children’s services, as different segments of the market vie for additional funding to meet expanding needs. Will this mean that the government has no option but to commission that review?
What the report covers
- Overview of children in care
- Foster care
- Children’s homes
- Adoption
- Other children’s services: Leaving care support
- Other children’s services: spending and policy issues
- Quality & Regulation of children’s care services
- Special education
- Independent sector market structure
Who is the report for
- Children’s residential home providers
- Fostering agencies
- Adoption agencies
- Special education providers
- Local authority commissioners
- Directors of Children’s Services
- Investors, banks and other financial institutions
Samples
LOADING...
