Guidance

Introduction to adoption support agencies

What you need to know about registering with Ofsted if you want to open or manage an adoption support agency.

From:
Ofsted
Published
11 November 2014
Last updated
2420 MayDecember 2024 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Introduction to adoption support agencies

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Details

This guide sets out what an adoption support agency is and what you must do if you intend to open one.

You should also read our main guide to registration, which applies to all children’s social care services.

View Ofsted’s registration services and forms.

Updates to this page

Published 11 November 2014
Last updated 2420 MayDecember 2024 + show all updates

  1. Updated to provide more clarity on which adoption support agencies need to register with Ofsted.

  2. Removed the need for a financial reference, following a change in legislation.

  4. Updated to reflect the Adoption Support Agencies (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 which came in to force on 18 December 2023. The amended regulations provide a more detailed definition of the circumstances that require an adoption support agency to apply to register with Ofsted.

  6. Revised throughout for clarity.

  8. Updated for references to dates and website addresses

  10. First published.

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