Serenity Housing Service Ltd v Ofsted

Serenity Housing Service Ltd v Ofsted

The appeal was filed outside the 28-day statutory time limit set by s.21(2) Care Standards Act 2000. None of the appellant's reasons—including late receipt, lack of legal advice, misunderstanding of the time limit, or awaiting further information—amounted to exceptional circumstances. Therefore, the tribunal had no discretion to extend time, and the appeal could not be admitted.

Parties
Appellant: Serenity Housing Service Ltd; Respondent: Ofsted
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
29 January 2026
Procedural Posture
Tribunal Appeal / Decision on Late Appeal
Outcome
Appeal dismissed as out of time; no extension granted.
Legal Topics
Extension of Time, Appeal Procedure, Care Standards Act 2000, Exceptional Circumstances, Service of Notice
Administrative Law Regulatory Law Child Care Law Extension of Time Appeal Procedure Care Standards Act 2000 Exceptional Circumstances Service of Notice

Case Brief

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Parties

Serenity Housing Service Ltd

Appellant

Ofsted

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Tribunal Appeal / Decision on Late Appeal

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the appeal against Ofsted's Notice of Suspension was filed within the statutory time limit
  2. 2 Whether there are exceptional circumstances justifying an extension of time for filing the appeal

Ratio Decidendi

The appeal was filed outside the 28-day statutory time limit set by s.21(2) Care Standards Act 2000. None of the appellant's reasons—including late receipt, lack of legal advice, misunderstanding of the time limit, or awaiting further information—amounted to exceptional circumstances. Therefore, the tribunal had no discretion to extend time, and the appeal could not be admitted.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed as out of time; no extension granted.

Orders

  • The appeal is dismissed.
  • The final hearing on 12 February 2026 is vacated.