What changed
The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 amended section 37 of the Care Standards Act 2000. Notices can now be served by email, and an emailed notice is treated as served on the working day after it is sent.
Why it matters
Many enforcement steps run to fixed timescales. If nobody reads the registered email address while the manager is on leave, the clock can run without anyone knowing.
Pin every timescale in the officeThe free manager's clock card puts Reg 35, Reg 40, the LADO, return interviews and more on one A4 page.Get the clock card
What to do this week
- Check which email address Ofsted holds for the home and the provider, and that it is current.
- Make sure it is read every working day, including during holidays and sickness.
- Set up forwarding or shared access for the deputy and the responsible individual.
- Add 'check the Ofsted inbox' to the daily handover.
Questions
When is an emailed notice treated as served?
On the working day after it is sent, under section 37 of the Care Standards Act 2000 as amended in 2026.
This guide explains the law in plain English. It is not legal advice, and your home's policy may set tighter timescales.