Get involved in reviewing the draft children’s homes Career Standards for England

Sign up now as project starts in November

Research in Practice has been commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to draft Career Standards for the children’s homes workforce and are inviting professionals and young people aged 16-25 from across England to contribute to this work. 

The draft Career Standards will follow the review of the children’s homes workforce.. The Career Standards are intended to set clear expectations that aim to improve quality and consistency in practice.

By taking part in this consultation activity, participants will have the opportunity to review key domains in the draft Career Standards, identify any gaps, issues or unintended consequences, provide feedback on clarity and accessibility. The aim is to ensure that the Career Standards reflect what good practice looks like for the children’s homes workforce.

Who can take part? Professionals and Children/Young people.

Research in Practice would like to speak to professionals in the following roles:

• practitioners working directly with children and young people in children’s homes (including children’s homes workers/practitioners, senior children’s homes workers/practitioners, deputy team managers)
• Registered Managers
• Responsible Individuals
• representatives from awarding organisations.

They are also keen to speak to young people aged 16-25 with a wide range of experiences of living in children’s homes. This will take place through virtual or hybrid focus groups and interviews between November 2026 – January 2027.

The project team can come to pre-existing meetings facilitated by local authorities, voluntary and community organisations, providers and other organisations. They can also arrange individual interviews where this is preferable. There will need to be a trusted adult present to support any young people wishing to take part. Children/Young people will be remunerated for their contributions.

In line with the scope of the Career Standards, we welcome contributions from people who live or work in, or work alongside, any type of Ofsted-registered children’s home.

Professionals – to join an online focus group

Please express your interest by 17 November. Expressions of interest will be screened and participants selected on the basis of your role. Confirmation of your registration for the focus group will be given as soon as possible. If you are successful, consent paperwork will be issued which must be completed and returned in advance of the focus group.

The focus group will take place 10:00-11:30 on 24 November.

Submit your expression of interest

View the focus group information

Children/Young People – express interest on behalf of a group, forum or individuals

If you work with young people with experience of living in a children’s home who would be interested in contributing to this work, please complete an expression of interest form. Further information and consent paperwork will then be issued.

Focus groups and interviews will take place between November 2026 – January 2027.

Submit your expression of interest

View the focus group information

View the interview information