Inkfish Homes addresses the urgent need for high-quality residential care by delivering Ofsted-registered homes quickly and cost-effectively.

Our approach helps local authorities overcome capacity challenges and provide stable environments for vulnerable children.

The residential children’s care sector faces critical challenges, as highlighted by Ofsted and the government’s ‘Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Thrive’ white paper (November 2024)

Shortage of appropriate provision: Ofsted data indicates a concerning number of unregistered children’s homes, reflecting a shortage of suitable placements.

Rising costs: Local authorities face significant financial pressures, with the LGA projecting a substantial funding gap in children’s services.

Geographical imbalance: The white paper acknowledges the uneven distribution of children’s homes, leading to children being placed far from their communities.

Market dysfunction: Concerns about profitability in the care placement market have been raised, emphasising the need for cost-effective, value-driven solutions. These issues demand immediate and effective solutions, and Inkfish Homes is committed to providing a transformative approach.

We provide a comprehensive service, including:

• Needs assessment

• Property acquisition

• Design and conversion

• Registration support

• Handover and ongoing support

Our approach aligns with and advances government objectives outlined in the 2024 white paper, focusing on:

• Addressing the need to ‘fix the broken care market’ by providing cost-effective alternatives to profit-driven provision.
• Supporting the aim to ‘make the care system child-centred’ by creating stable, nurturing environments.
• Contributing to the government’s commitment to ‘invest in the key enablers which underpin the children’s social care system’ through efficient and sustainable solutions.