Overview

A national provider of children’s services sought ongoing legal support to help manage a complex and developing regulatory environment, including Ofsted inspections, safeguarding matters and strategic service developments. 

The organisation required advisers who understood not only the legal framework governing children’s services but also the practical realities of delivering care and support across multiple settings. 

Senior Associate Alice Thursfield, a specialist in health and social care regulation, has worked closely with the provider on a range of regulatory and safeguarding matters, helping senior leaders manage risk, uphold compliance and respond confidently to regulatory scrutiny. 

The Challenge

Providers of children’s services face increasing levels of regulatory oversight and public scrutiny. Alongside day-to-day demands, organisations must respond appropriately to Ofsted inspections, safeguarding concerns, governance issues and changing sector expectations. 

For large providers in particular, there is a need for practical legal advice that supports well-informed decision-making, protects children, maintains compliance and supports organisational objectives. 

Our Approach

Alice provided strategic and practical advice across a range of regulatory and safeguarding matters, drawing on her extensive experience advising organisations regulated by Ofsted. 

Her work included: 

• Advising on Ofsted inspections, including factual accuracy challenges, regulatory strategy and the management of inspection outcomes. 

• Supporting the provider on complex safeguarding matters involving regulatory, employment and criminal law considerations. 

• Advising on the implications of national safeguarding inquiries and wider sector scrutiny, including governance arrangements, safeguarding frameworks and preparation for regulatory engagement. 

• Supporting education and service development projects, helping the organisation navigate changes to service delivery and educational provision. 

• Providing ongoing regulatory guidance adapted to the operational circumstances of delivering children’s services. 

Throughout the engagement, Alice worked closely with colleagues across Lester Aldridge’s Health & Social Care, Employment and Dispute Resolution teams to deliver coordinated and commercially focused advice. 

The Outcome

The provider was able to make informed decisions on complex regulatory and safeguarding issues with confidence, supported by advice that balanced legal obligations with practical service delivery considerations. 

By developing a detailed understanding of the organisation, its services and its regulatory environment, Alice has become a trusted adviser to senior leaders, helping them navigate regulatory challenges while maintaining their focus on providing high-quality care and support for children and young people. 

Client Testimonial

“We value the service that you provide. Advice is provided in a timely, pragmatic, and commercially aware manner, while always taking into account the complex legal and safeguarding landscape in which children’s services operate. 

You provide legal advice that is easy to understand and supports informed decision-making. We particularly value the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical solutions that can be implemented across our services. 

Communication is always professional and efficient, with confidence that queries will be responded to promptly and thoroughly. You have developed a strong understanding of our organisation and provide advice that reflects both the regulatory framework and the operational realities of delivering children’s services. 

Overall, we regard your firm as a trusted legal partner.”