SC1 and SC2 applications
SC1 and SC2 are the Ofsted application forms for registering a children’s home or supported accommodation service: SC1 registers the provider and the service, and SC2 is completed by each person connected to it, including the manager, the responsible individual (nominated individual in supported accommodation) and directors involved in running it.
SC1 and SC2 applications in practice
They are submitted together with the supporting evidence Ofsted requires, including the statement of purpose, the children’s guide, a location assessment, planning and premises evidence, insurance, policies and financial viability information.
The manager’s application is assessed on its own merits, not carried by the strength of the provider’s. Ofsted looks for relevant qualifications and experience of managing residential childcare, and interviews both the manager and the responsible individual.
Incomplete submissions are the usual cause of delay. Ofsted also operates prioritisation criteria, so applications that do not meet them can wait considerably longer than providers expect when planning a launch.
Related terms
Related definitions
Responsible Individual (Ofsted)
A Responsible Individual is the person an organisation nominates to Ofsted as accountable for supervising the management of a children’s home, and they are assessed by Ofsted for their suitability for that role.
Read definitionChildren’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015
The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 are the regulations governing how children’s homes in England must be run, and they contain the quality standards Ofsted inspects against.
Read definitionQuality Standards (Ofsted)
The quality standards are the outcome-focused standards in the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 that a children’s home must meet, covering areas such as protection, education, health, positive relationships and leadership.
Read definitionRegistering with CQC or Ofsted?
Tell us what you plan to provide. We will explain what applies to your service and what it costs, with no obligation.