Abstract

The aim of this research project was to investigate the demand on the children’s home accommodation provided for the looked after population in Sunderland City. TfC has five residential care homes with Ofsted ratings ranging from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’ in their accommodation portfolio. This evaluative research was undertaken as part of the Transformation Strategy programme for 2015-2020 (TfC, 2019) across their services that included children’s homes. The research was funded by the DfE and commissioned by TfC, to ensure there is sufficient accommodation for children who are cared for or on the edge of care in Sunderland as part of their Sufficiency Duty (Children Act, 1989, s.22).