DfE Data Shows Out of Area Placements Rising Amid a Fall in the Overall Care Population

Figures released by the Department for Education show that the overall number of children living in care has dropped for the first time since 2008 but still remains at historically high levels.

The latest data shows that the number of children living in care (including foster care and children's homes) fell 0.5%, from 83,760 to 83,630.

However, the same data also shows that children who are living out of area (more than 20 miles from their home) has increased as well as those being admitted to children's homes.

The proportion of children placed out of area has grown steadily in recent years, from 41% in 2020 to 45% (37,520) in 2024. For us, this shows the importance of local authorities needing to invest in their own children's homes as well as working closely with good and reputable private providers in their area. Our own local authority (Oxfordshire County Council) has been at the forefront of this over the past few years, opening up new homes within the Residential and Edge of Care Service with our MD playing his part when he worked there.

New children's homes that understand children and can meet their needs safely and effectively are even more pressing when you consider that the report also indicates a rise in admissions to children's homes. As of March 2024, 8,640 children were in children’s homes – the vast majority in open settings – up from 7,990 in 2023 and 7,100 in 2020, and accounting for 10% of the total care population. However, placement stability remains an issue, although one that has remained relatively stable. The data shows 10% of children having three or more placements in 2023-24, compared with 11% in each of 2022-23 and 2019-20.

We want to be able to help children's homes meet demand for placements and make sure that children are abkle to put down roots, be settled and cared for by the right people. With our specialist knowledge of local authority service need and methods of operation, we can be the bridge you need to improve partnership working with commissioners and align your systems with theirs for greater consistency of care and improved placement stability.

Click below for the link to the DfE data

https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoptions/2024