Safe Hands Care and Support Services v Ofsted

Safe Hands Care and Support Services v Ofsted

The Tribunal found that the statutory threshold for suspension was met, as there was credible evidence of risk of harm to children due to failures in safeguarding, inconsistent and untimely actions by the provider, suspended staff having access to premises, and ongoing investigations. Suspension was necessary and proportionate given the seriousness of the risk and the ineffectiveness of lesser regulatory measures.

Parties
Appellant: Safe Hands Care and Support Services; Respondent: Ofsted
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
20 March 2026
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Final Judgment
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Suspension of Registration, Safeguarding, Supported Accommodation, Proportionality, Compliance Notices
Administrative Law Regulatory Law Child Protection Suspension of Registration Safeguarding Supported Accommodation Proportionality Compliance Notices

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Parties

Safe Hands Care and Support Services

Appellant

Ofsted

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the statutory threshold for suspension under Section 20B of the Care Standards Act 2000 is met
  2. 2 Whether suspension is necessary and proportionate
  3. 3 Whether the provider took appropriate and timely safeguarding actions

Ratio Decidendi

The Tribunal found that the statutory threshold for suspension was met, as there was credible evidence of risk of harm to children due to failures in safeguarding, inconsistent and untimely actions by the provider, suspended staff having access to premises, and ongoing investigations. Suspension was necessary and proportionate given the seriousness of the risk and the ineffectiveness of lesser regulatory measures.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • The Respondent’s decision of 13 January 2026 to suspend the Appellant’s registration is confirmed.