Setting

X10029.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 FOSTERING SERVICE

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CT10 2QA

Lead Inspector Patrick Gough Announced Inspection 20th February 2006 09:00 Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 2 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

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CT10 2QA

• Put the people who use social care first • Improve services and stamp out bad practice • Be an expert voice on social care • Practise what we preach in our own organisation

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CT10 2QA

Reader Information Document Purpose Inspection Report Author CSCI Audience General Public Further copies from 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Internet address www.csci.org.uk Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Fostering Services. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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CT10 2QA

Every Child Matters, outlined the government’s vision for children’s services and formed the basis of the Children Act 2004. It provides a framework for inspection so that children’s services should be judged on their contribution to the outcomes considered essential to wellbeing in childhood and later life. Those outcomes are: • Being healthy • Staying safe • Enjoying and achieving • Making a contribution; and • Achieving economic wellbeing.

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CT10 2QA

In response, the Commission for Social Care Inspection has re-ordered the national minimum standards for children’s services under the five outcomes, for reporting purposes. A further section has been created under ‘Management’ to cover those issues that will potentially impact on all the outcomes above.

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CT10 2QA

Copies of Every Child Matters and The Children Act 2004 are available from The Stationery Office as above This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4

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Name of service

Address 479 Margate Road Broadstairs Kent CT10 2QA

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Name of service

Email address foster.carebroadshires@nch.org.uk

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of places

Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5

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Brief Description of the Service:

Fostercare NCH Broad Options is a family placement project run by a national charitable organisation and one, which operates in compliance with NCH policies that govern the service that is provided for looked after children. The office is situated in Broadstairs and supports two areas, Kent and South London. At the time of the inspection there were fifty one approved foster carers looking after fifty five children. The office, which is attached to a specialist education service run by the same organisation, has a reception area on the ground floor and first floor accommodation, which includes an open office for administrators and supervising social workers, smaller offices for management and finance staff and training and conference facilities. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6

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SUMMARY

This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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SUMMARY

The announced inspection was conducted by two inspectors over a period of three days. A foster panel was observed in session prior to the main inspection activities. New methodology was used to determine the inspection findings and focussed on the outcomes in ‘Every Child Matters’. New pre-inspection material, the ‘provider quality assessment’ document, the ‘information about carers’, the ‘policy and procedures’ monitoring form and the ‘charges’ information, all completed by the service manager and her team, dictated the focus of the inspection. The information provided through these new formats was specific, detailed and included an abundance of examples of evidence of supporting practice. The inspectors visited three foster homes and were able to speak to carers and young people to ascertain their views on the competency of the agency. A number of care and children’s files were examined and supporting evidence was cross-referenced. The manager, three supervising

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SUMMARY

social workers and the finance administrator were interviewed.

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What the service does well:

The agency conducts rigorous assessments on prospective foster carers using the service ‘competency based assessment’ format. A supplementary attachment style interview is also undertaken and informs the assessment. The comprehensive assessment reports are well presented with quality summations. Minutes of foster panel meetings and observation of a panel in session confirmed that further intense scrutiny ensures that foster carers are carefully selected.

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What the service does well:

The statement of purpose has been adapted and aligned with the outcomes of ‘Every Child Matters’ and the inspection process. The children’s guide has been rewritten and presented by a selection of young people and some staff, demonstrating the agency’s practice of consulting with children and including them purposefully in matters relating to their care. Young people commented that they are consulted and listened to.

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What the service does well:

Social work staff are all qualified, conduct assessments and may follow through in supervising the carers that they have assessed. The staff are enthusiastic and committed and respond positively to new initiatives such as the ‘intensive fostering’ project. They provide good support to carers, which has a consequential positive impact on the quality of care given to the young people. There is a particular focus on meeting the needs of the children and maintaining their stability. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 7 The service gives high priority to equality and diversity issues and operates in compliance with the policy of its parent organisation, NCH. A translation service is used to recruit a more diverse group of carers. Foster carers, working with asylum seekers, use the internet to discover the background circumstances relating to their placements and asylum seekers who are placed,

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What the service does well:

keep in touch with their communities through the internet. English language tuition has been organised for those young people who need it. All staff have undertaken the NCH ‘working with diversity’ training and managers have been provided with enhanced equality and diversity training.

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What the service does well:

There is good administration support; files are well organised, easy to negotiate, and they contain detailed recording with relevant content.

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What the service does well:

There is a good management structure, with a service manager, two team managers, senior grade supervising social workers, supported by competent administration personnel. The managers and the staff have, between them, considerable experience in child welfare, are well informed on child development, child care matters, and the legislation, regulation and processes governing the fostering ethic.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The children’s guide has been rewritten following a collaborative exercise between young people being looked after and the staff.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The agency continues to explore methods, acceptable and meaningful to the young people, of ascertaining children’s views. This will involve the use of ‘viewpoint software’ programme and canvassing the views of young people who have left care and have moved into ‘independence’ schemes.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Support groups have been organised for foster carers who are looking after asylum seekers and supervising social workers meet children in placement to monitor their perception of how their needs are met.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Given the Kent and London teams have merged, there has been much focus on achieving consistency across both areas and there is a targeted recruitment within the London area to ensure that there is a good range of carers to meet the needs of children from indigenous and other different cultures.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There has been more consistent safe care and risk assessment and non-violent crisis intervention training has been provided for all carers. There are more rigorous monitoring of the formulation of personal education plans, of young people’s achievements in education, school exclusions and bullying occurrence. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 8

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What they could do better:

The agency itself has identified, through the provider quality assessment process, where it should continue to develop its provision and make improvements. The agency is to be commended for its honesty and objectivity in self-assessment.

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What they could do better:

Whilst the majority of carer responses indicated that there is very good support given to carers, it was also suggested that some ‘out of hours’ support is by telephone only. The agency should ensure that where necessary, practical support should be readily available.

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What they could do better:

The agency should continue to develop the cooperative links with placing authorities so that looked after children have the opportunities to participate in experiential learning and activities. It should also enhance the current approach to the monitoring of the education provision for the young people by challenging the placing authorities to address their responsibilities and explore other ways of supporting carers when young people are out of school on a temporary basis.

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What they could do better:

The agency should be more explicit about the expectation on carers to support the children with their life skills learning and enhance their preparation for adulthood through a focus on life skills, leisure use and employment matters.

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What they could do better:

There are no particular shortfalls or significant weaknesses in the operation of the service and there are no requirements or recommendations for action to be taken. The successful management of the areas highlighted for improvement by the agency in its self-assessment and through the inspection, which will be a particular focus for the next inspection, will enhance a good service through the improvement of the quality of support for the carers and the quality of care for the young people.

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What they could do better:

Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11

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The intended outcome for this Standard is:

• The fostering service promotes the health and development of children.(NMS 12)

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The Commission considers Standard 12 the key standard to be

inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at the outcome for Standard:

The healthcare needs of the children are adequately met by the carers, supported by the agency, through comprehensive guidance and regular monitoring by the supervising social workers.

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EVIDENCE:

There was adequate pre-placement information supplied to the carers to assist them in formulating a healthcare plan and evidence in the files indicated that carers have responded positively to identified health needs. The agency provides carers with guidance relating to the children’s health matters and there is an expectation that daily observation on such matters are recorded in their daily logs. The supervising social worker, when conducting supervisory visits, monitors how the carer addresses all elements of 12.6. Examination of children’s files confirmed that the carer contributes useful information on the child’s health-related development to the annual review. Responses from the young people indicate that there is an emphasis on healthy eating, useful activities involving exercise, and good personal care.

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EVIDENCE:

There were specific examples where the agency had made direct referrals to health agencies and where necessary, in order to retain a stable placement for the child, had supplied the funding for it. Good support, through accessing child mental health services, is given to enable carers to work effectively with the young people. There are ongoing improvements in the service, particularly in relation to addictions, and drug and alcohol abuse. Carers are expected to monitor the dietary, rest and exercise needs of the children and seek advice and guidance where necessary. The agency is able to use other NCH therapeutic services, such as the sexual abuse treatment project, and gave an example where this has been used effectively for one young person. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• Any persons carrying on or managing the service are suitable. (NMS 3) • The fostering service provides suitable foster carers.(NMS 6) • The service matches children to carers appropriately.(NMS 8) • The fostering service protects each child or young person from abuse and neglect.(NMS 9) • The people who work in or for the fostering service are suitable to work with children and young people.(NMS 15) • Fostering panels are organised efficiently and effectively.(NMS 30)

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The Commission considers Standards 3, 6, 8, 9, 15 and 30 the key

standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following Standard(s):

The service manager and other senior staff have the appropriate qualifications and skills to effectively manage the staff in order to enable them to support the carers.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following Standard(s):

Children are properly matched with carers who have the skills to meet their needs and who provide comfortable living environments for their use.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following Standard(s):

The agency’s procedures for vetting prospective foster carers and the recruitment of staff are thorough and ensure that children are looked after by suitable adults.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following Standard(s):

The agency has clearly outlined the procedures and guidance to enable carers to protect and promote the children’s welfare.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following Standard(s):

The fostering panel performs its role effectively and demonstrates its independent role in recommending appropriate carers to care for children, according to strict criteria.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency conducts the required CRB checks and renews them on a 3 yearly cycle. There have been no changes in the management structure since the last Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 inspection and the inspectors were satisfied that all checks and references had been properly conducted. Staff files are stored securely on the premises.

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EVIDENCE:

The inspectors visited three foster homes in order to evidence the accommodation and standard of care given to the young people fostered. All of the homes were adequately furnished and decorated and had all the necessary equipment to meet the daily needs of the young people. There were good standards of cleanliness and hygiene evidenced and the foster carers reported that the supervising social worker conducts an annual health and safety check, as well as visual checks on each visit. Daily logs were inspected and found, in general, to contain relevant information, under various headings, on the essential needs and development of the young people.

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EVIDENCE:

Carers had engaged in training on core subjects such as health and safety and child protection and on more individualised and specialist training as it was provided. Young people who met the inspectors confirmed that they were happy and commented favourably about the care that they received. Their comments indicated that the foster carers are appropriately selected, trained and supported by the agency. Foster carers commented on the quality of the preparation given to them, by the agency, prior to placement and how proactive the agency had been in accessing information for them, when the placing authority had not provided it.

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EVIDENCE:

The inspection of a sample of records revealed that a thorough foster carer assessment process, which focuses on competencies, gave effective consideration to matching. This was also evidenced through the careful scrutiny of the panel members, when prospective carer applications were presented to the panel. A number of the supervising social work team are trained in using the ‘attachment style interview’ process and this is now used to supplement the assessment of all prospective new carers. For non- emergency placements, the agency had conducted the placement preparations in a planned way ensuring that there were introductions, information sharing and support networks established. Where emergency placements were made, foster carers stated that the agency gave them every support in accessing vital information in the early stages.

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EVIDENCE:

The staff and foster carer manual contains comprehensive, easy to read, information, guidance on protecting children and young people and on the agency’s expectations relating to the protection of young people from abuse. Each child has a written risk assessment conducted on their arrival at placement, which is reviewed and updated as necessary. Incidents of bullying are monitored and remedial action taken. The carers reported that as well as the written documentation, they had received the necessary child protection training, and this had been supplemented through their monthly supervision sessions by qualified supervising social workers. The manager stated that all carers are trained in ‘non violent crisis intervention’ strategies and techniques. All carers have written safe care plans, which are reviewed annually. The Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 young people that completed questionnaires stated that they felt safe and

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EVIDENCE:

The staff, which were interviewed, confirmed that the recruitment process is a rigorous one with all the necessary checks completed and references sought. Telephone enquiries are also conducted. The foster carer files revealed that all medical and employment history checks are made prior to an in-depth competence based personal interview. Carers, which were visited, confirmed that it was a thorough selection process.

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EVIDENCE:

A panel meeting was observed in session and the inspector was satisfied that panel membership met the requirements, the subject matter was appropriate and proceedings were conducted in a positive and professional manner. The panel membership was sufficiently representative to give considered view of the information that had been presented. The assessment and review reports were well prepared and comprehensively written, with fact separated from opinion. There was healthy debate and where there was disagreement, the panel chair ensured that all views were heard equally. The panel was perceptive in its review of the carers’ qualities and background and was incisive but sensitive in acquiring the information necessary to make its recommendations. The process was rigorous and measured with sufficient time given to deliberations. There were clear indicators that whilst the panel gave due credibility and respect to the prospective carers, it considered the needs of

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EVIDENCE:

the children to be of paramount importance. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• The fostering service values diversity.(NMS 7) • The fostering service promotes educational achievement.(NMS 13) • When foster care is provided as a short-term break for a child, the arrangements recognise that the parents remain the main carers for the child.(NMS 31)

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The Commission considers Standards 7, 13, and 31 the key standards

to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The agency assists it’s foster carers in providing quality care and support for children with diverse needs.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The relevant systems and processes are provided and utilised to enable carers to support children with their education and to monitor their progress.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency is proactive in supporting foster carers’ access to the necessary information and advice on cultural differences. The agency supports the NCH statement on diversity by advocating equal rights, fair representation and the proper provision for children from different ethnic backgrounds. It promotes the celebration of festivals, the recognition of customs, the use of books and other materials and the observance of different religions. This is evidenced in file documentation and in the guidance provided for foster carers. There is also information in the children’s files, which indicate that the agency is committed to securing the appropriate services for children with diverse educational and social needs. In the London area the agency is actively recruiting for appropriate carers to look after the indigenous group of looked after children as well as providing for number of diverse needs and cultures. Training on how

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EVIDENCE:

to help children deal with discrimination is provided for carers.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency focuses on carers’ attitude to education during their assessment and the guidance indicates the measure of support they are required to give the children with homework and through liaison with the school. A support worker in the London area provides interim academic tuition, whilst full time Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 education or training is being arranged. Support is also given with transition into independent living, within the community, through assistance with living skills. The provider quality assessment highlights that there is an acceptable level of attainment achieved by the young people in the agency’s care.

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EVIDENCE:

Funding is available to provide carers with the necessary resources and educational materials to teach the young person at home. The young person’s personal education plan is monitored, as is their attendance at school, and supervising social workers attend PEP and other school meetings to advocate for the young person. Intensive practical support is offered to carers and young people to enable them to manage disruption where a change in family placement occurs. There was a good example of matching considerations including the location of the child’s school in relation to the prospective carer’s home when a change of placement needed to occur. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• The fostering service promotes contact arrangements for the child or young person. (NMS 10) • The fostering service promotes consultation.(NMS 11)

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The Commission considers Standards 10 and 11 the key standards to

be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

There is guidance and support provided by the Agency and carers to enable children to maintain useful contact with family members and significant others.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The agency’s communication systems and guidance on the importance of consultation and practice encourages and enables children and carers to express their views and preferences.

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EVIDENCE:

The foster carer handbook contains reference to the protocol relating to family contact arrangements. It emphasises the importance of positively promoting contact, where appropriate, and the degree of flexibility in terms of time and venue that may be necessary. Carers confirmed that the agency is supportive in providing all the relevant background information necessary for successful contact meetings, through training, and through post contact support in formal supervision, when there is an expectation that the carer will give feedback on the outcome of the contact. Examination of the carer’s ‘daily logs’ provided evidence that contact was being recorded. Written risk assessments are undertaken as required.

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EVIDENCE:

There was evidence that contact needs and arrangements featured in the matching considerations. The agency, reflecting the importance it places on the value of positive contact, promotes the practice of contact through a dedicated contact service. Foster carers commented on the ways that they promote contact, through encouraging the children to telephone and write letters and by sending drawings and photographs. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 The young people who completed inspection surveys indicated that they are consulted and listened to and listed some of the issues that they are consulted about, including clothes, choice of food, activities and where to go on holiday. Supervising social workers meet up with the young people bi-monthly to ascertain their views on how they are feeling about their placement and other issues concerning their life. The agency encourages the young people to

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EVIDENCE:

participate in the decision making process prior to placement and to attend placement agreement meetings. Young people are similarly encouraged to attend review meetings and to communicate their views. Where they feel unable, they are given the opportunity to submit their views, in writing, to the chairperson. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• The fostering service prepares young people for adulthood.(NMS 14) • The fostering service pays carers an allowance and agreed expenses as specified.(NMS 29)

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The Commission considers Standards 29 the key standard to be

inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The agency provides the carers with adequate guidance and engages proactively with the young people in supporting their preparation for leaving care and adulthood.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The agency’s financial and payment structures are sound and make adequate provision for the carers to meet the needs of the child.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency makes clear its expectation that carers will engage children in life skills experiential learning, in preparation for leaving care and training on the subject of leaving care features in the available training. In the past year the agency has had a direct impact on the preparation for adulthood process. The London team have secured work experience opportunities for a number of young people, some of which have led to full time employment and where it has not provided a direct link to a full time job, it has provided the young person with valuable experience. Support is also given to young people moving into semi-independent living, whilst ensuring that they are also protected from exploitation.

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EVIDENCE:

There is a written policy on fostering allowances with a clear indication of what they are expected to cover. Discussion with the finance administrator confirmed that there is good and proven system governing payments and they are prompt. The carers confirmed that payments are made on time. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and the fostering service ensures that they meet those aims and objectives.(NMS 1) • The fostering service is managed by those with the appropriate skills and experience. (NMS 2) • The fostering service is monitored and controlled as specified. (NMS 4) • The fostering service is managed effectively and efficiently.(NMS 5) • Staff are organised and managed effectively.(NMS 16) • The fostering service has an adequate number of sufficiently experienced and qualified staff.(NMS 17) • The fostering service is a fair and competent employer.(NMS 18) • There is a good quality training programme. (NMS 19) • All staff are properly accountable and supported.(NMS 20) • The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers.(NMS 21) • Foster carers are provided with supervision and support.(NMS 22) • Foster carers are appropriately trained.(NMS 23)

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• Case records for children are comprehensive.(NMS 24) • The administrative records are maintained as required.(NMS 25) • The premises used as offices by the fostering service are suitable for the purpose.(NMS 26) • The fostering service is financially viable. (NMS 27) • The fostering service has robust financial processes. (NMS 28) • Local Authority fostering services recognise the contribution made by family and friends as carers.(NMS 32)

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The Commission considers Standards 17, 21, and 24 the key standards

to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

1,2,4,5,16.17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The agency’s statement of purpose contains full information to inform potential purchasers of the service and the necessary guidance to support carers in providing quality care of the children.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The manager and senior staff have the necessary experience and qualifications to manage the agency and to advise and guide staff on their support to carers, enabling carers to provide a quality service to the children. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 There is a good management structure with clearly defined roles enabling staff to provide an effective professional performance in meeting the needs of carers and children. There are monitoring systems in place to ensure quality performance of the agency.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The agency is managed to a high standard and the manager has a deputy who takes charge in her absence. Specific tasks were being delegated to those staff with particular roles.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

There is a good number of qualified staff and carers to meet the needs of the young people. There are polices and procedures in place to support children, carers and staff.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Staff and foster carers receive good training appropriate to individual needs and the needs of the agency.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Staff receive regular support, written guidance and management supervision in order to carry out their respective roles in the agency. Foster carers receive support and supervision from qualified social workers.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The agency keeps up to date records, which were being stored securely. The premises are suitable for the operation of the agency and provide a comfortable and safe working environment for the staff. The premises are insured and health and safety checks are completed.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

There was no evidence found at the time of the inspection that the agency was not financially viable and children, carers and staff needs were being adequately met. Financial policies and procedures are in place for staff to follow.

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EVIDENCE:

The statement of purpose has been written in alignment with the five outcomes of ‘Every Child Matters’, closely identifies with each element and indicates how the agency achieves the outcomes. The statement is well presented and includes all the required information on the service. The management structure and roles are clearly defined, to include the number, relevant qualifications and experience of agency staff. It also outlines the agency’s philosophy and method of achieving its aims and objectives. The children’s guide, produced by agency staff and children, is full of relevant information and presented in the form of a small booklet. The manager stated that the supervising social worker reads it with the young person and clarifies the content, where necessary. There was evidence in written records that this is done in practice. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 22 The service manager and other senior staff have the necessary qualifications

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EVIDENCE:

and experience to manage the agency effectively. The staff, who were interviewed, confirmed that there is effective leadership and that they are well supported with formal and informal supervision. One member of staff commented that the agency had responded with sensitivity and understanding during a period of particular difficulty.

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EVIDENCE:

There are clear lines of accountability within the management and staff structure and all the staff have up to date job descriptions. The staff and carers are provided with the agency policies and procedures on appointment and approval. Service charges are outlined and carers’ payments and allowances detailed.

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EVIDENCE:

There are sufficient supervising social work staff to adequately support the carers and the staff confirmed that workloads are manageable. There is a very low turnover of staff with many of the staff having been with the organisation for a lengthy period and stating that ‘it is a good agency to work for’. All the staff commented on the agency’s support for training and one member of staff stated that he was supported to achieve social work qualification.

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EVIDENCE:

All supervising social workers are qualified and experienced to provide a quality service to children and carers. There is a good staff and carers recruitment process, with the required policies in place, supported by supervision and training. ‘Out of office hours’ support is provided to carers by supervising social workers and the manager. Carers said that they receive a lot of support and guidance from them and they could be contacted at any time. Staff, which were interviewed, were very complimentary about the agency and it’s treatment of children, carers and staff.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency supports the development of staff, to keep up to date with continuing practice and to increase their competence in working with carers and children. This includes sponsorship on professional courses. Staff and carers receive training together for certain areas of development. All the social work staff were due to participate in an ‘intensive fostering’ training course to prepare staff to support carers involved in a combined agency/youth justice board initiative, based on the ‘Oregon’ programme, and designed to prevent young people entering ‘secure’ accommodation. Training is identified through the supervision and appraisal system. The staff also have access to the internet and the NCH intranet, giving them the opportunity to keep up to date with legislation, policy, procedures and best practice. There are weekly team meetings, which the staff confirmed are practice focussed.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers said that they receive a high level of support from all the agency staff, supervising social workers and senior management within the agency. Evidence was seen in foster carer records of regular supervision visits taking place, given by supervising social workers, training needs being assessed and Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 23 foster carer reviews being held. The foster carers handbook details the agency’s policies and procedures for them to follow, to include the complaints and child protection procedure. The complaints procedure is also contained within the children’s handbook. Foster carer agreements contain expectations of foster carers, the agency and the placing authorities in relation to the care of children.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers indicated, in the inspection surveys, that they are happy with training provided by the Agency. This covers pre approval training, ‘skills to foster’, which is co-facilitated by the agency’s supervising social workers and experienced foster carers. Following approval the carers are expected to engage in core training, which includes child protection, working with children who have been abused, counselling, first aid, physical intervention, valuing diversity, food hygiene and medication training amongst others. Ten carers have completed NVQ Level 3 care training to improve their competence and this is actively supported by the agency.

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EVIDENCE:

The agency records, which were seen, were up to date, cross referenced with each other and were being securely stored. The level of detail, contained in telephone contact records between the agency, the carer and other agencies concerned with the placement, was impressive and provided a clear historical account of responses. There is written guidance for staff to follow on record keeping. Appropriate security systems are in place for records held on computer and the premises is secure.

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EVIDENCE:

The premises are fit for purpose and include a spacious open office area for administration and supervising social work staff, a conference room, training facilities, with some smaller offices for management and finance administration. There is a reception area on the ground floor with a controlled security system.

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EVIDENCE:

All the required financial systems are in place and the manager, staff and carers stated that they work effectively. The registered manager has regular budget meetings with the responsible individual and the NCH regional finance manager to monitor and review the financial position. Staff and foster carer training is organised and paid for by the agency, to include NVQ training. Foster carers confirmed they received regular payment. Activities and holidays have been organised for young people. The agency accounts are audited annually. The financial processes include the monitoring of expenses from foster carers. Charges are made known to foster carers and placing authorities, as detailed in foster carer and placement agreements and the statement of purpose. Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 24

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services have been met and uses the following scale.

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

4 Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

BEING HEALTHY ACHIEVING ECONOMIC Standard No Score WELLBEING 12 3 Standard No Score 14 3 STAYING SAFE 29 3 Standard No Score 3 4 MANAGEMENT 6 4 Standard No Score 8 4 1 4 9 4 2 4 15 4 4 4 30 3 5 4 16 4 ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 4 Standard No Score 18 3 7 4 19 4 13 3 20 4 31 N/A 21 4 22 4 MAKING A POSITIVE 23 3 CONTRIBUTION 24 3 Standard No Score 25 3 10 3 26 3 11 4 27 3 28 3 32 3 Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 25 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection?

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Fostering Services Regulations 2002 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action

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RECOMMENDATIONS

These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Foster Care NCH DS0000038534.V266873.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 26

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Kent and Medway Area Office 11th Floor International House Dover Place Ashford Kent TN23 1HU

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI

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