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Supported Lodgings First to Receive Ofsted Accreditation

18th June 2025 Updated 1st October 2025

Step by Step’s Supported Lodgings has become the first service of its kind to achieve Ofsted accreditation.

This is another considerable milestone for a service that has grown to accommodate and support hundreds of young people each year. Step by Step is now the largest Supported Lodgings provider in the UK, as well as being considered the authority in the field.

We were delighted to receive considerable praise in the Ofsted report, including:

Communication is noted as excellent… hosts are described as kind and welcoming.
Children feel listened to, and any concerns are quickly addressed.
Progress included improved attendance at college, experiencing enrichment activities and better mental health.
Children achieve their individual goals and make good progress. This prepares them for independence and adulthood.
Matching children with their hosts are a particular strength… Hosts understand their needs well.
Children feel able to join their hosts and families… enjoying meals, holidays and celebrations.
Children’s bedrooms reflect their interests and show they have made the space their home.
Leaders and managers are ambitious and committed to improving children’s lives.

The Ofsted inspection proved to be a valuable process, making useful recommendations that can further develop and strengthen the service.

“We are immensely proud of our first Ofsted grading,” commented Kelly Headen, Head of Fostering and Supported Lodgings at Step by Step. “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone for their contributions during the inspection itself, and for continuing to work with us at Step by Step in such a collaborative way. It is us working together that achieves the lasting positive outcomes and experiences for so many young people in Step by Step Supported Lodgings.”

Last year, Supported Lodgings found safe and supportive homes for 229 young people.

If you have a spare room and want to make a difference in a young person’s life, find out more about becoming a Supported Lodgings host.

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