There are 4 categories of supported accommodation. When you register your service, you will need to tell the Department of Education which categories you want to offer.
Once you are registered, you cannot offer a different category to those listed on your certificate of registration. If you want to offer new categories, you must either:
- apply to change the conditions of your registration, or
- run the new categories as a separate service
If you choose to run them as a separate service, you must register the new service.
Single occupancy
This accommodation is designed for the sole use of the child placed there. Others may live there with the child, for example their partner, sibling or children, if that is in the child’s individual care plan.
Under legislation, and on your registration certificate, this will be referred to as:
‘Supported accommodation in a self-contained unit, where the accommodation is for the sole use of the child or for the child and other individuals living with the child as agreed by the accommodating authority or the supported accommodation undertaking’.
Ring-fenced shared accommodation
This accommodation is for looked after children and care leavers only. There may be care leavers over the age of 18 living at the accommodation. Each child will have their own bedroom, but will share communal areas (for example, a kitchen or a living area).
Under legislation, and on your registration certificate, this will be referred to as:
‘Supported accommodation in a shared or group living situation in premises used to accommodate only looked after children and care leavers’.
Shared accommodation (non-ring-fenced)
Looked after children and care leavers aged 16 to 17 may be living in this accommodation with other people who are not care-experienced and aged over 18. Each child will have their own bedroom, but will share communal areas (for example, a kitchen or a living area).
Under legislation, and on your registration certificate, this will be referred to as:
‘Supported accommodation in a shared or group living situation in premises which are not limited to accommodating looked after children and care leavers’.
Accommodation in a private residence, such as supported lodgings
Children are accommodated in a private residence. This is accommodation hosted by an individual (or individuals), such as supported lodgings.
Under legislation, and on your registration certificate, this will be referred to as:
‘Supported accommodation provided by an individual or individuals in a private residence which is the main residence of that individual or those individuals’.