Three teenagers who have been in care in Bath and North East Somerset are currently in homes that are outside of the scope of regulators.

Commissioning Manager, Ian Tomlinson, said B&NES Council is “ahead of the curve” in monitoring the properties, but he is urging Ofsted to deliver proper over- sight.

In three current cases – following risk assessments by social workers – he has housed over-16s in unregulated placements out of necessity. With concerns they place children at risk of exploitation, the Government is considering banning unregulated placements for under-16s.

Asked if the providers should be regulated, Mr Tomlinson told a scrutiny panel meeting on 10th March: “The Department for Education could do this now. These are vulnerable children.

“Why aren’t Ofsted knocking on the department’s door to get them regulated?”

Government figures show that more than 6,000 looked-after children and young people in England are living in unregulated accommodation. ??Commissioning Manager, Ian Tomlinson, said B&NES Council is “ahead of the curve” in monitoring the properties, but he is urging Ofsted to deliver proper over- sight.In three current cases – following risk assessments by social workers – he has housed over-16s in unregulated placements out of necessity. With concerns they place children at risk of exploitation, the Government is considering banning unregulated placements forunder-16s.Asked if the providers should be regulated, Mr Tomlinson told a scrutiny panel meeting on 10th March: “The Department for Education could do this now. These are vulnerable children.“Why aren’t Ofsted knocking on the department’s door to get them regulated?”Government figures show that more than 6,000 looked-after children and young people in England are living in unregulated accommodation.