This articles presents powerful and up-to-date statistics highlighting the current state and continuing need for supported living, supported accommodation, and children’s homes in the UK. Highlighting both the progress made and the urgent demand that remains — supporting the mission of Project Homes Gateway to deliver ethical, high-quality care housing.
Children in Need and Care
- Nearly 400,000 children were identified as “in need” in England as of March 2024.
Source: explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk - Approximately 105,000 children were on a child in need plan at the same time.
Source: communitycare.co.uk - 83,630 children were looked after by local authorities in England in 2024.
Source: explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk - Approximately 107,000 children were in care across the UK during 2022/23.
Source: learning.nspcc.org.uk
Supported Accommodation
- 8,980 children were living in supported accommodation as of March 2023.
Source: article39.org.uk - 6,250 young people (7% of the care population) were in supported accommodation in 2024.
Source: communitycare.co.uk - 258 supported accommodation providers were registered with Ofsted as of March 2024.
Source: cypnow.co.uk
Children’s Homes
- There were 3,491 children’s homes in England as of March 2024, a 12% increase from the previous year.
Source: gov.uk - These homes offered 14,486 places, a 7% increase from the previous year.
Source: gov.uk - 83% of children’s homes were rated “outstanding” or “good” by Ofsted in 2024.
Source: gov.uk - The North West of England accounts for 25% of all children’s homes.
Source: gov.uk
Secure Children’s Homes
- 170 children were accommodated in secure children’s homes as of March 2025, a 9% increase from the previous year.
Source: explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk - The occupancy rate in these homes rose to 72%, up from 66% in 2024.
Source: explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk
Referrals and Social Care Demand
- 621,880 referrals were made to children’s social care services in England in the year ending March 2024.
Source: local.gov.uk - 224,520 child protection enquiries were initiated in the same period.
Source: local.gov.uk - On average, 1,700 children are referred to social services each day.
Source: thetimes.co.uk
Child Homelessness
- 164,040 children were living in temporary accommodation in England as of September 2024.
Source: england.shelter.org.uk - 24,360 households were living in B&Bs or hostels, up 17% year-on-year.
Source: england.shelter.org.uk
There are countless children and people in need across the UK and Project Homes Gateway aims to do something about it. Together, we can make a real, lasting difference by providing somewhere for people in need to call a home. Whether you’re a provider looking to expand, or you’re an investor looking for an ethical investment opportunity, we’d love to hear from you!
