What Ofsted Will Look For in 2025: Restraint Reduction, Records & the Child’s Experience

Across England, Ofsted has made it clear: inspection in 2025 will focus even more closely on how children’s homes manage behaviour and use restraint.

This isn’t just about paperwork. Inspectors want to see the child’s lived experience: how safe, respected, and supported each young person feels.

At Panacea Children’s Home, we welcome this emphasis. As a small, therapeutic 2-bed home for young people with Emotional and Behavioural Disorders (EBD), we know that trust, relationships, and trauma-informed care are the real drivers of stability.

Why restraint reduction matters

Research and practice show that high use of restraint can damage trust and retraumatise children. Ofsted’s updated SCCIF guidance highlights:

• The importance of de-escalation first (PACE, calm spaces, skilled staff).

• Quality of recording: every incident must capture the child’s voice and staff reflection.

• Management oversight: leaders must evidence learning from patterns and trends.

What Ofsted Will Look For in 2025

For local authorities and social workers, in 2025 Ofsted will look for homes that provide clearer evidence of restraint reduction, robust incident records and child voice. Learn how Panacea delivers this in practice

Our approach at Panacea

We align with Ofsted’s expectations through:

• Trauma-informed practice (PACE model): staff are trained to connect before they correct.

• Proactive de-escalation: daily routines, predictable boundaries, and keywork sessions reduce flashpoints.

• Rigorous recording: all incidents logged in our secure digital system with the child’s views included.

• Monthly oversight: our Registered Manager and Responsible Individual review records, identify patterns, and adapt support plans.

• Learning culture: staff debriefs and reflective supervision ensure continuous improvement.

  
  

Result: restraint becomes a last resort, used only when absolutely necessary to keep a child safe.

What this means for you

• Commissioners & placement teams: Assurance that young people are in a home that meets the latest Ofsted priorities, with transparent data on restraint frequency and outcomes.

• Social workers & IROs: Confidence that children’s voices are central, and that incidents are used as opportunities for growth—not punishment.

• Families & advocates: Reassurance that safety is prioritised without unnecessary restrictions.

• Staff & partners: Clarity on training, supervision, and the reflective culture that underpins our practice.

  
  

Our commitment

We believe restraint reduction is not only about compliance—it’s about honouring the dignity of each young person. By keeping homes safe, therapeutic, and relational, we prepare children for stability, education, and a brighter future.