Setting

National Fostering Agency

Owl House Battery Green Lowestoft Suffolk NR32 1DH

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Launched in April 2004, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is the single inspectorate for social care in England.

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

The Commission combines the work formerly done by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI), the SSI/Audit Commission Joint Review Team and the National Care Standards Commission.

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The role of CSCI is to:

• Promote improvement in social care • Inspect all social care - for adults and children - in the public, private and voluntary sectors • Publish annual reports to Parliament on the performance of social care and on the state of the social care market • Inspect and assess ‘Value for Money’ of council social services • Hold performance statistics on social care • Publish the ‘star ratings’ for council social services • Register and inspect services against national standards • Host the Children’s Rights Director role.

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Inspection Methods & Findings

SECTION B of this report summarises key findings and evidence from this inspection. The following 4-point scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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The 4-point scale ranges from:

4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls) 'O' or blank in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. '9' in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not applicable. 'X' is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. National Fostering Agency Page 1

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Address

Owl House, Battery Green, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 1DH

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Date of latest registration certificate

Date of last inspection 10/12/03 National Fostering Agency Page 2 National Fostering Agency Page 3 Date of Inspection Visit 30th November 2004 ID Code

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inspections and bring a different

perspective to the inspection process. NA Name of Specialist (e.g. Interpreter/Signer) (if applicable) NA

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Name of Establishment Representative at

the time of inspection Mr Nigel Pickering, Registered Manager National Fostering Agency Page 4

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

Independent and local authority fostering services which fall within the jurisdiction of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) are subject to inspection, to establish if the service is meeting the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services and the requirements of the Care Standards Act 2000, the Fostering Services Regulations 2002 and the Children Act 1989 as amended.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

This document summarises the inspection findings of the CSCI in respect of National Fostering Agency. The inspection findings relate to the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services published by the Secretary of State under sections 23 and 49 of the Care Standards Act 2000, for independent and local authority fostering services respectively.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

The Fostering Services Regulations 2002 are secondary legislation, with which a service provider must comply. Service providers are expected to comply fully with the National Minimum Standards. The National Minimum standards will form the basis for judgements by the CSCI in relation to independent fostering agencies regarding registration, the imposition and variation of registration conditions and any enforcement action, and in relation to local authority fostering services regarding notices to the local authority and reports to the Secretary of State under section 47 of the Care Standards Act 2000. The report follows the format of the National Minimum Standards and the numbering shown in the report corresponds to that of the standards.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

The report will show the following: • Inspection methods used • Key findings and evidence • Overall ratings in relation to the standards • Compliance with the Regulations • Notifications to the Local Authority and Reports to the Secretary of State • Required actions on the part of the provider • Recommended good practice • Summary of the findings • Report of the Lay Assessor (where relevant) • Providers response and proposed action plan to address findings

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INSPECTION VISITS

Inspections will be undertaken in line with the agreed regulatory framework with additional visits as required. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Care Standards Act 2000. The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report. The report represents the inspector's findings from the evidence found at the specified inspection dates. National Fostering Agency Page 6 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED. The National Fostering Agency (Anglia) is a branch of a larger National Fostering Agency whose headquarters are based in London.

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INSPECTION VISITS

The agency provided an independent fostering service for children who, for a range of different reasons, had been assessed as requiring foster care. The offices of the agency were based in Lowestoft, Suffolk and the agency supported the work of foster carers across the East Anglian region.

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INSPECTION VISITS

At the time of this inspection, the agency was supporting 151 children in foster placements. There were 107 sets of approved foster carers. Some foster carers were in partnerships and others were single parents. Placements included long term, short term, bridging, respite, and through to independence arrangements. A further 36 sets of Foster Carers were going through the assessment process prior to approval. These figures represented a very considerable increase in the numbers of carers, prospective carers and foster children in the year since the last inspection.

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INSPECTION VISITS

The Pre Inspection Questionnaire confirmed that the agency staff now comprised Mr Nigel Pickering, the Service Manager, three Development Managers, a Duty Manager, six Link Workers, and two Business Support Administrators. The Registered Manager informed inspectors that it is his intention to appoint a further part-time administration worker as soon as possible. In addition, the agency used professional, qualified social workers on a sessional basis to undertake some of it’s assessment work, subject to the consent of each person’s own employer, in that regard.

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INSPECTION VISITS

The agency had its own Approval Panel, suitably comprised and supported.

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INSPECTION VISITS

The agency benefited from being part of a larger organisation, with corporate policies and procedures and support. It had established itself as a major provider of fostering services in the region.

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INSPECTION VISITS

It shared a building, on a leased basis, with another professional enterprise, but had separate accommodation that could be alarmed, when necessary, to ensure privacy and security. There was limited car parking space. National Fostering Agency Page 7

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Inspector’s Summary

(This is an overview of the inspector’s findings, which includes good practice, quality issues, areas to be addressed or developed and any other concerns.) The announced annual inspection of this independent fostering agency took place over a period of almost 2 months. It began in October with a pre-inspection visit by the Lead Inspector to the agency’s premises, observation, in November, again by the Lead Inspector, of a Panel meeting, separate visits in early December by the inspecting team to the homes across a wide geographical area of 6 foster carers and 2 foster carers under assessment and culminated in 2 days spent at the agency’s office in Lowestoft.

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Inspector’s Summary

Provided with pre-inspection information kindly given to them by the National Fostering Agency, the inspecting team were able to send a questionnaire to every placing social worker, every set of foster carers, to each commissioning manager for foster placements for all local authorities using the NFA and every foster child over the age of 7 years placed with the agency. The Commission for Social Care Inspection felt that the response to questionnaires was encouraging, and extremely useful, with 51 survey forms being returned from children (2 not completed), 69 from placing social workers and 63 from foster carers. Responses from the commissioning manager for foster care were received from Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

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Inspector’s Summary

The Commission for Social Care Inspection asked the NFA to inform all foster carers that the inspection was taking place and indicate that they may be approached to speak to inspectors. Inspectors made arrangements with the foster carers selected from the list provided by the agency to visit them in their homes. Most visits to foster carers and those under assessment were carried out during late afternoon and evenings when foster children were likely to be at home. All of the foster carers selected readily agreed to be interviewed. On these occasions, the inspector had an opportunity to speak with foster children, again in private if they agreed,

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Inspector’s Summary

Arrangements were made to interview in private the Registered Manager, Mr Pickering, administration staff, Development Managers and Link Workers selected at random. The Registered Manager made his laptop computer available to inspectors during the two-day inspection of the premises and records and demonstrated the agency’s very impressive programme for electronic record keeping. This was much appreciated.

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Inspector’s Summary

A room was made available at the agency’s offices for inspectors to interview staff, examine records and check recruitment procedures etc.

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Inspector’s Summary

The inspectors explained to the Registered Manager the purpose of the inspection, namely to consider all the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services in respect of this independent fostering agency and to discuss what progress had been made by the organisation in achieving 2 requirements and 4 good practice recommendations made National Fostering Agency Page 8 following the previous inspection in December 2003.

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Statement of Purpose (Standard 1)

The agency had a Statement of Purpose that had been updated and reviewed. The Registered Manager intended to have this in published form rather than ‘copied’. There were leaflets for foster children to inform and assist them with the placement.

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Fitness to provide or manage a fostering service (Standards 2 – 3)

The two standards in this section were both met.

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Fitness to provide or manage a fostering service (Standards 2 – 3)

The agency was well established and growing apace. It was well managed and financially audited. Survey responses showed a high level of satisfaction from foster carers, placing social workers and Commissioning Managers. Recruitment procedures were checked and found to be in order. Original qualification certificates were required to be shown on appointment which is good practice. There was a colour photograph on their personal file for all but a very few staff employed.

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Management of the fostering service (Standards 4 – 5)

The two standards in this section were both met.

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Management of the fostering service (Standards 4 – 5)

The agency sought feedback on its performance from the people using the service. Foster carers were asked to declare any conflict of interest that might occur. Inspectors were aware of one case where this was so. The agency was addressing the matter. There was quality assurance monitoring and financial oversight. The Registered manager was appropriately qualified and experienced in relevant areas. Deputising arrangements were in place for when he was absent or on leave. The Registered Manager was aware of the pitfalls associated with too rapid growth and measures were in place to ensure that the quality of the service did not suffer during this period.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6 – 14)

All nine standards in this section were met, two exceeded.

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6 – 14)

Those interviewed were seen to be provided a high quality fostering experience. There were real family values being taught. Foster carers were providing a nurturing experience with balanced diets and healthy living. One recommendation has been made relating to the sleeping arrangements in one home visited. Matching arrangements started with foster carers indicating their preferences on their Form F. They appeared to have very wide ranging considerations. The agency helped with specialist equipment. Foster carers said that in some cases placement took place very quickly with little chance for any compatibility work to be carried out. Foster carers confirmed that they had undergone ‘Safe Caring’ and child protection training. The agency took any allegation very seriously and pursued appropriate measures such as strategy meetings. It had an anti-bullying policy. It provided to foster carers all the information at its disposal, but they said that sometimes important

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Securing and promoting welfare (Standards 6 – 14)

information was missing because it had not been supplied by placing authorities. The agency had procedures, shared with foster carers, if a child goes missing from the placement. Contact arrangements were well supported. Foster carers and the children in their care confirmed these. Some particularly good work had been done with birth parents. Foster children confirmed that they were consulted and their views listened to. Foster carers helped the children in their care to live healthily; they enrolled them with local GP’s, dentists and opticians. The agency expects foster carers to support children in educational settings National Fostering Agency Page 9 and inspectors saw this in action. Foster parents often meet with teachers and attend parent evenings, school events etc. The agency also expects foster carers to assist older foster children with the development of life skills to help them in their later adult life.

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Eight of the nine standards in this section were met, one exceeded. One standard

Foster carers were seen to present good role models. Staff were well qualified. Recruitment checks were made appropriately. There were clear lines of responsibility and accountability. Link Worker caseloads were limited. There were administrative staff employed. Staff confirmed adequate supervision and support. Inspectors felt that important documents, for instance those put before Panel, must be proof read to ensure accuracy in presentation and factual content. The administrative staff should have data Protection training. Staff were experienced in the child care field. The agency had grown in the last 12 months. Sufficient numbers of foster carers had been employed, but inspectors were aware of the pressure for places that the agency was under. It was going through a re-branding exercise at the time of the inspection. Staff viewed NFA as a good employer. Foster carers confirmed that support

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Eight of the nine standards in this section were met, one exceeded. One standard

for them was forthcoming. Whistle-blowing policies and procedures were in place. Staff were on performance-related bonuses, which pleased them. Each staff member had a job description. Monthly staff meetings were held, chaired by the Registered Manager. Case- related discussions were held. There was a training programme for foster carers to which professional staff were welcome to attend. However, inspectors felt that there was a need for core training for professional staff and a requirement has been made to this effect. Staff had annual appraisals. Foster carers felt ‘extremely well supported’ by Link Workers and the agency. They had a Foster Carers Agreement and a Handbook containing all relevant information. Link Workers visited them regularly and out of hours if necessary. Foster carers had information about how to make a complaint and how to support one of their foster children if they wished to complain. The agency took allegations against foster carers very

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Eight of the nine standards in this section were met, one exceeded. One standard

seriously and followed all recognised practice, but remained supportive of carers at that time. Foster carers had an annual review. If both partners were approved then there was an expectation that both would attend for training.

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Records (Standards 24 – 25)

One of these two standards was met and the other was not met.

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Records (Standards 24 – 25)

The children’s files were in good order, well- maintained and sectioned effectively. The Looked After Children (LAC) documentation had been chased up. There was some misfiling and a requirement had been made in this regard. There was considerable confusion among staff and foster carers about retention of records. A requirement had been made here. Separate records required by standard 25.2 were being kept. There was a clear policy for maintaining records in a safe and secure manner. Staff were expected to keep records updated. Most records were word-processed so legibility was not an issue. The agency’s computer programme for keeping data was impressive.

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Fitness of premises for use as fostering service (Standard 26)

The offices used by the agency were seen by inspectors to be fit for purpose in regard to their location, access and security. Staff had adequate office space, including for administrative tasks. The Registered Manager preferred a ‘hot desking’ arrangement. National Fostering Agency Page 10

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Financial requirements (Standards 27 – 29)

All 3 standards in this section were met.

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Financial requirements (Standards 27 – 29)

There was no evidence to indicate to inspectors that the organisation was not financially viable. Discussions with foster carers confirmed that the agency was prompt in paying them. Staff, too, reported positively on their terms and conditions including the provision of appropriate hardware and equipment to do their job. All had mobile telephones, laptops and a company vehicle. There was a clear written scale of payments to foster carers. Foster carers themselves expressed the view that allowances were satisfactory and provided sufficient money to allow them to meet the child’s identified needs. There had been an increase in foster carer allowances in the last 12 months.

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Fostering Panels (Standard 30)

The Panel was suitably constituted. Inspectors observed a Panel Meeting in action. The Panel were seen to make appropriate decisions, well considered and suitably delivered by an informed and experienced Chair. It did exercise a quality assurance function for the independent fostering agency.

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Family and friends as carers (Standard 32)

Feedback from foster carers, placing social workers, foster children and Commissioning Managers was overwhelmingly positive in its content.

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Family and friends as carers (Standard 32)

The agency achieved 28 of the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services, with two exceeded.

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Family and friends as carers (Standard 32)

The summary of the inspection was discussed with the Registered Manager at a feedback meeting held on Monday 10 th January 2005. National Fostering Agency Page 11

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

The following statutory Reports or Notifications are to be made under the Care Standards Act as a result of the findings of this inspection:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(3) of the Care Standards Act 2000 that the Commission considers the Local Authority's fostering service satisfies the regulatory requirements:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

NO Notice to the Local Authority under section 47(5) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of failure(s) to satisfy regulatory requirements in their fostering service which are not substantial, and specifying the action the Commission considers the Authority should take to remedy the failure(s), informing the Secretary of State of that Notice: NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(4)(a) of the Care Standards Act of a failure by a Local Authority fostering service to satisfy regulatory requirements which is not considered substantial:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(1) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of substantial failure to satisfy regulatory requirements by a Local Authority fostering service:

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The grounds for the above Report or Notice are:

Not Applicable to this service. National Fostering Agency Page 12

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Implementation of Statutory Requirements from Last Inspection

Requirements from last Inspection visit fully actioned? YES

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Identified below are areas not addressed from the last inspection report which indicate a non-compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000 and Fostering Services Regulations 2002. No. Regulation Standard Required actions Timescale for action None National Fostering Agency Page 13

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registration are listed below, with the inspector's assessment of compliance from

the evidence at the time of this inspection.

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFIED DURING THIS INSPECTION

Action Plan: The appropriate Officer of the Local Authority or the Registered Person (as applicable) is requested to provide the Commission with an Action Plan, which indicates how requirements are to be addressed. This action plan will be made available on request to the Area Office.

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which indicate non- compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000, the Children Act 1989, the Fostering Services Regulations 2002, or the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services. The Authority or Registered Person(s) is/are required to comply within the given time scales in order to comply with the Regulatory Requirements for fostering services. No. Regulation Standard * Requirement Timescale for action

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

1 21(4) FS19 Agency staff presently attend training sessions with foster carers. The Registered Persons must provide a training programme of core aspects specific to its professional staff to enhance their current skills and experience. Following receipt of the draft report the Registered Manager confirmed that NFA is starting a staff training programme from February 2005. Immediate and on- going

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

2 32(5) FS24 The Registered Persons must ensure that all documents are filed accurately so that the privacy and confidentiality of foster children, their foster carers and agency staff is not compromised. Following receipt of the draft report the Registered Manager confirmed that the agency already has a system in place to ensure information is filed separately. The misfiling is to be addressed through supervision and administration team meetings. Immediate and on- going National Fostering Agency Page 15 22(1)(2)

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

32(1) to (3) FS24 The Registered Persons must ensure that when a foster child’s placement with a particular foster carer ends, all relevant records, i.e. the whole file, is returned to the placing authority. In order to fully comply with Regulations 22 and 32 of the Fostering Services Regulations 2002, the agency must retain copies of the relevant records for the specified periods. Following receipt of the draft report the Registered Manager confirmed that the agency is producing a policy document and training for all staff and carers. Immediate and on- going

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which relate to the National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice issues which should be considered for implementation by the Authority or Registered Person(s). No. Refer to Standard * Recommendation Action

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

1 FS6 The Registered Persons should monitor the sleeping arrangements at the foster home identified by inspectors in the body of the report. Following receipt of the draft report the Registered Manager confirmed that the sleeping arrangements at the foster home are no longer an issue as foster carers are moving house and there will be individual bedrooms for each child placed.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

2 FS16 The Registered Persons should introduce a proof-reading system to ensure that all documents presented to Panel for consideration are accurate in detail and factual content. During the feedback meeting the Registered Manager said that he had introduced a system for proof reading important documents.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

3 FS16 The Registered Persons should provide Data Protection training for administrative staff. Following receipt of the draft report the Registered Manager confirmed that the matter of Date Protection training had been passed to the organisation’s training coordinator.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

* Note: You may refer to the relevant standard in the remainder of the report by omitting the 2-letter prefix e.g. FS10 refers to Standard 10. National Fostering Agency Page 16

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report Number of Inspector days spent 10

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Survey of placing authorities YES Foster carer survey YES Foster children survey YES Checks with other organisations and Individuals YES • Directors of Social services YES • Child protection officer YES • Specialist advisor (s) NO • Local Foster Care Association NO Tracking Individual welfare arrangements YES • Interview with children YES • Interview with foster carers YES • Interview with agency staff YES • Contact with parents YES • Contact with supervising social workers YES • Examination of files YES Individual interview with manager YES Information from provider YES Individual interviews with key staff YES Group discussion with staff NO Interview with panel chair YES Observation of foster carer training NO Observation of foster panel YES Inspection of policy/practice documents YES Inspection of records YES Interview with individual child YES

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Date of Inspection 30/11/04 Time of Inspection 10.00 Duration Of Inspection (hrs) 58 National Fostering Agency Page 17 The following pages summarise the key findings and evidence from this inspection, together with the CSCI assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards have been met. The following scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

The scale ranges from: 4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls)

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

"0" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. "9" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not applicable. “X” is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. National Fostering Agency Page 18

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

• There is clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and the fostering service ensures that they meet those aims and objectives.

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There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and of

what facilities and services they provide. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Statement of Purpose for the agency was reviewed, amended, and reissued in July 2003. Further revision was taking place to include staffing structure and matrix. It was a comprehensive document that met the criteria of Standard 1. All staff had copies of the Statement of Purpose, issued during induction, and it was made available on request to children and parents. It was also circulated to all Placing Authorities as part of the information pack.

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There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and of

The Registered Manager’s intention was that the Statement of Purpose was provided as ‘a published document’ rather than copied.

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There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and of

The agency had developed an illustrated leaflet for children being fostered, which explained what fostering was about, and suggested four things that a child could do if they were not happy – talk to either their foster carer, their social worker, the agency, or the CSCI. Three other leaflets were also produced which specifically addressed issues relating to placements, namely, ‘Bullying is Wrong’, ‘Happy and Safe’, and ‘Have Your Say’. These were written to suggest to, and encourage, foster children to talk to a range of people if they had any issues or concerns.

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There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and of

The standard was met. National Fostering Agency Page 19

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• The fostering service is provided and managed by those with the appropriate

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work efficiently and effectively and have the necessary knowledge and experience of

childcare and fostering to do so in a professional manner. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The agency was well established and employed staff who were appropriately qualified, experienced and suited to role, with previous working experience in the field of fostering and child care, including those staff in management roles.

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work efficiently and effectively and have the necessary knowledge and experience of

With his social work qualification and management experience, the Registered Manager was well placed to provide the appropriate leadership for the agency.

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work efficiently and effectively and have the necessary knowledge and experience of

Responses to CSCI surveys of foster carers, placing social workers and Commissioning Managers of the local authorities using the service confirmed a high level of satisfaction with the arrangements in place.

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work efficiently and effectively and have the necessary knowledge and experience of

The agency employed a firm of Chartered Accountants whose role included payroll administration, accounting, and production and auditing of annual accounts.

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Any persons carrying on or managing the fostering service are suitable people to run

a business concerned with safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The agency had a recruitment and selection policy / procedure which clearly stated the processes to be used in the recruitment of staff.

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Any persons carrying on or managing the fostering service are suitable people to run

The Inspectors examined the personal files of staff and in every case they had two written references, a contract of employment, evidence of professional qualifications.

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Any persons carrying on or managing the fostering service are suitable people to run

The regulatory body was told previously that with regard to Criminal Records Bureau checks, the agency had permissions from staff to retain these within the agency. At that time, the Service Manager also confirmed that as part of the application for employment, a person would be required to produce original certificates of attainment or qualification, so that the validity of this documentation could be confirmed. This was good practice.

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Any persons carrying on or managing the fostering service are suitable people to run

In very few cases was there not an up to date colour photograph of the member of staff.

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Any persons carrying on or managing the fostering service are suitable people to run

The standard was met. National Fostering Agency Page 20 National Fostering Agency Page 21

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• The fostering service is managed ethically and efficiently, delivering a good quality foster care service and avoiding confusion and conflicts of role.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

fostering service and ensuring quality performance. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The agency asked its carers for their views on how the service was perceived. Among foster carers there was a high degree of satisfaction with the manner in which agency related to them.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

Foster carers must declare any area in which they could be a conflict of interest associated with their ‘employment’ by the agency. Inspectors did speak to one carer to whom this might apply. The matter was being addressed by the agency.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

The agency monitored and controlled its activities to ensure quality performance and good outcomes.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

It continued to have an Investors in People Award.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

The agency had financial procedures and there was very clear written information about charges for services, rates of payments to foster carers, and details of all payments that had been made.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

Number of statutory notifications made to CSCI in last 12 months: X

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

Death of a child placed with foster parents. X

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Referral to Secretary of State of a person working for the service as

unsuitable to work with children. X Serious illness or accident of a child. X Outbreak of serious infectious disease at a foster home. X Actual or suspected involvement of a child in prostitution. 1

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Serious incident relating to a foster child involving calling the police to a

foster home. Serious complaint about a foster parent. 2 Initiation of child protection enquiry involving a child. 2

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Serious incident relating to a foster child involving calling the police to a

Number of complaints made to CSCI about the agency in the past 12 months: X Number of the above complaints which were substantiated: X National Fostering Agency Page 22

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

The fostering service is managed effectively and efficiently. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 During an interview with the Registered Manager he explained his role, background, qualifications and experience. The post was, he said, one for a person with senior management experience, especially with managing change.

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

He explained the supervision programme. There were adequate arrangements for deputising in his absence, for instance, when he was on leave. The identified person was Director of the NFA, who provided line management for the Anglia Region. The person concerned was a qualified social worker and family therapist.

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

In addition to his responsibilities for the local agency, Mr Pickering also had a regional responsibility. He saw his job as being ‘a servant first’. He felt that the post required the ‘skills of a politician’.

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

The Registered Manager said that there were 3 working parties looking at defining jobs, new areas of work, incentives and additional responsibilities. He intended to appoint additional part-time, administrative support.

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

When the matter of the agency’s burgeoning growth was discussed, Mr Pickering said that there was ‘no optimum level’. His view was that the agency should only grow with ‘safety’ in mind.

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

The Registered Manager was responsible for the agency’s relationship with senior managers in local authorities if some dispute occurred. Inspectors were aware of one issue that was current. Mr Pickering declared that he ‘will take concerns as high as possible’ in the event that the agency felt that poor judgement had been exercised by Social Care Services Departments.

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

The standard was met. National Fostering Agency Page 23

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The fostering service promotes and safeguards the child/young person's physical, mental and emotional welfare.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

nurturing environment. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 During the course of the inspection inspectors visited 8 sets of foster carers already caring for under assessment, and saw a very high standard of provision with informed carers who confirmed that they had undergone training prior to registration with continued access to training since.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

Inspectors were impressed with the high level input by foster carers to the task. Of those interviewed, it was clear that they had submerged themselves wholly in the business of providing a true family experience.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

Foster children reported that foster carers assisted them to lead a healthy life style with a balanced diet. They confirmed that they had access to activities such as music lessons, sports and games and groups. The older foster children said that they got help with life skills.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

One matter did concern inspectors, however. In one setting, a child was required to go through a spare bedroom to reach its own bedroom. The foster carer said that they considered carefully who used the first bedroom when visitors were present. For instance, adults would never use that spare room. The foster carer said that this arrangement was quite rare. When used, the room accommodated only children of a similar age to the foster child. This was an arrangement that the agency might wish to monitor. A recommendation has been made to this effect. During the feedback meeting the registered manager said that this matter would be remedied with immediate effect.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

Inspectors saw foster carers providing a nurturing and rich experience, including outings, educational support and even foreign holidays in a family setting.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

Foster carers were clearly aware of health and safety considerations and it was confirmed that training in this area had been covered by the agency.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

Foster carers confirmed that they knew about the inspection and that they might be interviewed.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

On balance, the standard was met. National Fostering Agency Page 24

p.25

The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

provided with foster care services which value diversity and promote equality. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 This was seen as a ‘key issue’ by the agency, dealt with from the initial visit and through the assessment and training process.

p.26

The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

Foster carers were required to indicate on their Form F what children they were prepared to consider taking into their homes. This was an important part of the initial matching process. Most Form F’s seen by inspectors showed that foster carers were extremely wide ranging in their considerations. Most were prepared to foster children with quite profound disabilities and this was taken into account when matching foster children to foster carers. The agency clearly placed a number of children from overseas and in one case, at least, an unaccompanied minor.

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The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

It was the inspectors' experience that carers were well able to meet the cultural and ethnic needs of the children placed with them. They confirmed that they received training in this aspect.

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The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

Inspectors saw in one case that a foster carer had been provided by the agency with some specialist equipment to support the placement.

p.26

carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

authority is seeking a carer. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 This area was covered during interviews with foster carers and link workers during the examination by inspectors of staff procedures.

p.26

carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

In reality, foster carers said that placements often took place quickly and sometimes in emergency. On these occasions they said that it was difficult to match exactly their previous requirements, but nobody said that they had been asked to take children too far removed from those previously stated on their Form F. However, it was not always possible to carry out all the recommended preliminary work that included introductory visits, overnight stays etc. During the feedback meeting Mr Pickering said that the agency was more and more getting into ‘commissioning’ arrangements with local authorities and the opportunity to carry out compatibility work would then be increased.

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carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

No foster carer said that they had been asked to take children who were outside their Foster Carer Agreement in terms of age, gender or numbers of children.

p.26

carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

In the light of experience, or perhaps as a result of changed family circumstances or dynamics, for instance a birth child getting older, the Agreement might need to be reviewed and when this was the case the foster carers were referred back to Panel. National Fostering Agency Page 25 The standard was met.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

neglect, exploitation and deprivation. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Several foster children said in their questionnaires that they felt safe. Others said that the foster family cared and loved them as their own. Some foster children said the best thing about the foster placement was ‘knowing you get looked after’ and ‘being with a nice family’. Several of the children said they did not want to be moved. One child said that the best thing about being fostered was that they did not get bullied any more. One young person said that s/he hated him/herself before, but now s/he likes him/herself.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

‘Safe caring’ and child protection training was provided by the agency very early on in the approval process. All the foster carers interviewed by inspectors confirmed that they had attended these important courses of training.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

Inspectors saw evidence that the agency took seriously any indication from a child that they had been treated abusively while in foster care. Strategy meetings were held appropriately. In one instance, inspectors observed at a Panel meeting foster carers’ approval being considered after an allegation had been made about their care. Suitable measures were put in place to monitor future placements. This was a real example of the Panel’s functioning appropriately.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

The agency had a very detailed anti-bullying policy for foster carers. Inspectors were impressed with this document. The agency provided for foster children leaflets relating to ant-bullying measures. They clearly stated that bullying was wrong and a number of contacts were given should the child feel they are being unfairly treated. This included the Commission for Social Care Inspection. A leaflet was also provided that checked whether the child felt happy and safe.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

The agency was clearly aware of placing children, their carers and the children of foster carers when making placements when abuse had been an issue or had occurred.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

The agency were required to provide as full information as possible about the child to be placed prior to that placement happening. During interviews with inspectors, foster careers said that whilst they were happy with the documentation provided by the agency, significant and important information available to the SSD had not always been passed on to them. They said that they viewed this as a local authority responsibility and not one that they laid at the door of the agency.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

Following the previous inspection, the agency developed a standard letter for chasing up information not initially provided by local authorities. Inspectors saw for themselves this National Fostering Agency Page 26 standard letter on files.

p.27

The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

The agency had clear instructions for foster carers in the event that a child went missing. This included who to contact, and when to do so. There was an out-of-hours service for support and assistance. The information included advice on what to do if some medical attention was felt to be necessary, for instance if there was a suspicion of rape or abuse, the misuse of drugs or alcohol. In the event that a young person went missing the expectation was that a risk assessment meeting would be called by the agency to include the young person, and to discuss the incident fully.

p.28

The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

The question about bullying was not asked specifically on children’s survey forms. There were a number of places where children could mention this if they wished, however. In the event, fifty-one children’s questionnaires were returned to the CSCI and being bullying was not mentioned on any one of them. Punishments comprised being sent to their room, having pocket money delayed or stopped and in one case, ‘being shouted at’. The young person who mentioned the latter punishment was 11 years old and in other respects spoke very positively about the placement. The matter of pocket money being delayed or stopped was brought to the attention of the Duty Manager within the agency and she said this was not an acceptable sanction. Foster carers would, she confirmed, be reminded that they should not do this.

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encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

her/his care plan and/or foster placement agreement. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 Several children said that the worst thing about fostering was that they did not see their mummy or daddy and they had to attend too many meetings. Some felt that the worst thing was having to explain to others that they were fostered or being treated differently.

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encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

The agency provided information for foster carers about working with birth parents and maintaining contact, where applicable or allowed by law. Inspectors heard from foster carers that contact arrangements had been discussed and included where contact would take place. In some cases, foster carers were involved in the transport of foster children to contact venues and also acted in a supervisory capacity. Several foster children said that foster carers took them to see their parent(s).

p.28

encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

In one case, a foster carer had been particularly praised for her work with a birth mother. This involved a very good working relationship between the two people that clearly had a positive effect upon the young children in the foster placement. It meant that they could sometimes go back to their birth mother and have overnight stays.

p.28

encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

Inspectors heard from foster children that they had been involved in making decisions about the change of contact arrangements. They felt that their views had been listened to. This was good practice. Foster carers delivered in some cases significant parenting skills training to birth parents. Where arrangements were amicable, and accepted by birth parents, the placements were seen to work particularly well. National Fostering Agency Page 27 Inspectors asked foster children if they could have friends to visit or visit them in their own homes and they confirmed that they could do so. However, some foster children still felt ‘different’.

p.28

encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

Financial support was given to foster carers to reflect any additional duties in respect of contact arrangements.

p.29

encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

The agency had a policy of approving some extended family members to assist in the caring task.

p.29

others significant to the child, are sought over all issues that are likely to affect their

daily life and their future. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Responses to foster children’s surveys confirmed that they felt involved in decisions made about, and for, them. They said that their views were sought, when old enough to do so.

p.29

others significant to the child, are sought over all issues that are likely to affect their

Some had been involved in making decisions about the décor in bedrooms. Foster children said that they were asked about what clothing they wanted to wear. One said that they were asked about bathing. Another said that they discussed things such as outings with foster carers.

p.29

others significant to the child, are sought over all issues that are likely to affect their

It was clear that foster children were being consulted about matters that affected their daily lives and their futures.

p.29

training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

in decisions about her/his health needs. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Foster carers spoken with by inspectors confirmed that they had registered their fostered children with a local GP, optician and dentist etc. There were, however, some deficits in medical and/or health information provided by the local authority.

p.29

training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

Foster children confirmed that they went to the dentist and doctor when it was necessary.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

The agency provided first aid training for foster carers and insisted that those who were not previously trained ‘signed up’ to attend a suitable course on completion of their assessment.

p.29

training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

Foster carers were expected to encourage healthy lifestyles. Inspectors heard from foster children that they were encouraged and consulted about eating a balanced and healthy diet. Some said this was ‘the best thing about fostering’. One child said that having tea every day National Fostering Agency Page 28 was the best thing. One said that she had fresh fruit every day – sometimes two pieces!!

p.29

training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

Foster carers spoke to inspectors about the eating habits of children prior to coming into their care and these often involved what could be seen as ‘junk food’. They spoke about some quite unusual eating habits from which foster children had to be slowly weaned. Discussion with foster carers showed that this had been done sympathetically even if it was counter to the foster family’s own eating habits.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

Where foster children were taking medication, foster carers in their Daily Log recorded this.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

Foster carers were advising some of the older foster children with matters concerning their sexuality and keeping safe sexually.

p.30

child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

her/his full potential. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 The agency had a clear expectation that foster carers would support and promote the education of the children placed with them. Inspectors heard from foster carers that they attended parent evenings, sports events and activities in which foster children were involved. Each foster child had been enrolled in a local school and was being appropriately supported. Many of the children seen by inspectors were in school uniform at the time they visited.

p.30

child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

The foster care allowance paid by the agency included payment to cover educational activity expenses and school trips, after-school activities etc. There was an expectation that foster carers would read age-appropriate material to the children in their care on a daily basis.

p.30

child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

Inspectors also heard of foster carers providing very positive encouragement to foster children that had led to a change in their attitude towards school and educational attainment. Some children who were not doing well at school in their previous settings were now having some success and thriving educationally. Several children mentioned in their survey returns that they now enjoyed school and were clearly enthused about the success they were finding.

p.30

child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

One child interviewed by inspectors had developed skills in dog-handling and went all over the country competing. They were extremely proud of this new found skill. Inspectors were told about one young person who had done well at school, found a college course and an apprenticeship.

p.30

child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

The standard was met. National Fostering Agency Page 29

p.30

The fostering service ensures that their foster care services help to develop skills,

competence and knowledge necessary for adult living. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Inspectors heard some very encouraging stories of foster children moving self-assuredly into young adulthood. Foster carers were assisting foster children to make decisions about independent living.

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The fostering service ensures that their foster care services help to develop skills,

In one case a foster carer was advocating on behalf of a young person placed with her to assist them to obtain an apprenticeship and the means to pursue this.

p.31

The fostering service ensures that their foster care services help to develop skills,

Some older foster children were being helped to develop living skills such as cooking, washing their clothes and ironing. One young person said in the survey return that they were being helped by the foster carers to develop life skills so that they would be better placed when they left care.

p.31

The fostering service ensures that their foster care services help to develop skills,

It was also clear that many foster children had developed positive relationships with the foster carers that saw them maintaining contact after they had officially left their care. In one case this involved the young person coming back for a meal and to share problems.

p.31

The fostering service ensures that their foster care services help to develop skills,

The agency had developed a checklist that foster carers could use with the young people as preparation for independent living. This included information about using support networks, taking care of yourself, managing money, relationships, further education and employment and identity. Young people were given information about keeping safe.

p.31

The fostering service ensures that their foster care services help to develop skills,

The standard was met. National Fostering Agency Page 30

p.31

The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The people who work in or for the fostering service are suitable to work with

p.32

number of staff and carers and their range of qualifications and experience are

sufficient to achieve the purposes and functions of the organisation.

p.32

Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

children and young people and to safeguard and promote their welfare. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 All of the staff employed by the agency in management or link worker capacities were professionally well qualified. Social work qualifications included Certificate of Qualification in Social Work (CQSW), Diploma in Social Work (DipSW) and Certificate in Social Services (CSS).

p.32

Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

There were clear written recruitment procedures that were sufficiently robust, which included written references and Enhanced CRB disclosures in all cases.

p.32

Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

Recruitment of foster carers tended to be, as in previous years, by ‘word of mouth’. Inspectors heard that foster carers had been drawn to the role by friends or neighbours who were already caring for foster children. In one case, a foster carer said that she had ‘recruited the agency’. There were medical checks for foster carers to confirm their mental and physical capacity to undertake the caring role, with evidence of these being updated every two years. These included for both partners if this was the way the family was set up.

p.32

Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

The foster carers interviewed by inspectors all seemed to be good role models.

p.32

Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

foster care service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There were clear lines of responsibility and accountability in place. Link workers confirmed that they were appropriately supported. Caseloads were monitored with a maximum of 20 cases per worker. The Registered Manager confirmed that the agency would recruit additional staff when cases exceeded these numbers. Staff reported feeling professionally comfortable knowing this.

p.33

Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

Staff said that they received timely and suitable supervision from their line manager.

p.33

Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

The Registered Manager was aware of the pressure that administration staff were under and intended shortly to recruit additional help. Administration staff were supported and supervised by the Registered Manager. They said that this could at times be irregular.

p.33

Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

There was an arrangement that current administration staff were never on leave at the same time, this to assist continuity. The senior administrator was responsible for ensuring that all paperwork for the Panel meetings was collated appropriately.

p.33

Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

The matter of accuracy and proof-reading was discussed with both the Registered Manager and the senior administrator and both acknowledged that this was an area where improvement was necessary. In several cases, inspectors saw that typographical errors of an important nature had been made on documents and some factual inaccuracies that could lead to misunderstanding. It is important to maintain the professionalism of this aspect of the agency’s operation.

p.33

Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

The office staff provided a message-taking service. Foster carers had said to inspectors that at times messages were not passed on. Agency staff said that the appropriate information was given to link workers via their pigeon holes or an e-mail was sent to them.

p.33

Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

The senior administrator said that at the time of the inspection she had not received training in Data Protection. She had some responsibility in regard to the security of the premises.

p.33

qualified staff and recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young

people for whom it aims to provide a service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Caseloads for link workers were kept at a manageable level as stated above. Staff were seen to be well qualified for their role and experienced in child care fields.

p.33

qualified staff and recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young

It has been previously mentioned that the agency had grown considerably in terms of the number of foster carers recruited and link workers employed within the last 12 months.

p.33

qualified staff and recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young

During the inspection it was clear that local authorities were continually seeking placements. There seemed to be a large number of children requiring foster care and to this end the organisation was contemplating further expansion across the country. The Registered Manager said that the company had recognised that expansion would bring its own National Fostering Agency Page 32 problems and they would counter this by recruiting appropriate personnel to support the enlarged structure. He said that the company was engaged in a re-branding exercise.

p.33

qualified staff and recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young

The Registered Manager recognised that the agency were being asked to make fostering arrangements for children with a wide range of needs and conditions. The agency attempted to recruit foster carers in sufficient numbers and with suitable skills to ensure appropriate matching was possible.

p.34

The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

practices and good support for its staff and carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 All staff interviewed by inspectors confirmed their satisfaction with the employer’s terms and conditions of service. They said that the environment and atmosphere was good, that they were supported, their work acknowledged and management fair. An interesting matter was noted by inspectors; that staff were subject to performance–related bonuses for their work over the year. Obviously, they were supportive of this arrangement and spoke positively about it.

p.34

The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

Out of hours support to foster carers was seen to be very satisfactory and responsive. One foster carer said that she had no doubts that if she called on Boxing Day, support would be immediately forthcoming. Another said that a particular situation had occurred when the link worker had been available for support and had even been waiting at her home when she returned late on a Sunday evening from a particularly fraught situation with a foster child who had been missing.

p.34

The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

Each foster carer interviewed confirmed that they had a named Link Worker. Foster carers confirmed that support was given by their named Link Worker by way of telephone calls, messages of support, supervision, visits and out of hours availability.

p.34

The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

Some foster carers found particular comfort in meeting other foster carers and had clearly developed their own networks among people living close by who were also fostering. This was encouraged and facilitated by the agency.

p.34

The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

Link Workers said that they were aware of the whistle-blowing policy and procedures. This matter was also addressed in depth in the Foster Carer’s Portfolio. Contact information for The Fostering Agency’s Whistle-Blowing Officer was also given. This was good practice.

p.34

The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

The standard was met. National Fostering Agency Page 33

p.34

There is a good quality training programme to enhance individual skills and to keep

staff up-to-date with professional and legal developments. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 Link workers confirmed that a programme of training was available to cover most areas. However, it was clear that if staff wished to access training they had, realistically, to do so alongside foster carers rather than have specific course tailored to the needs of the professionals involved. Inspectors were of the view that core, and on-going, training, relevant to Link Workers and other staff in the agency, should be clearly identified and implemented.

p.35

There is a good quality training programme to enhance individual skills and to keep

Staff confirmed that an appraisal scheme was in place.

p.35

Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

All staff are properly accountable and supported. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Staff confirmed that they had job descriptions. Inspectors saw these when they examined personal files.

p.35

Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

Link Workers received regular supervision, which was planned and recorded. Confirmation was received that each supervision session had an agenda and minutes were taken. The supervisee had a copy. Administrative staff said that their supervision was irregular, however.

p.35

Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

As noted above, there was a programme of annual appraisals for staff with good work being recognised.

p.35

Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

Staff confirmed that there were regular monthly staff meetings, chaired by Mr Pickering, that included case-related discussions. They felt that there was a ‘good rapport’ among the team.

p.35

Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

The standard was met. National Fostering Agency Page 34

p.35

Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Foster carers stated that they felt extremely well supported by the agency. Many had had previous experience of working with other foster care providers, including local authorities, and said that they had transferred to NFA because of the way that it supported its carers.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

Some expressed their anxieties, however, about the speed with which they felt the agency was growing. This was particularly so among the more long-standing foster carers who were concerned that the personal and immediate contact and support that they had become accustomed would disappear. These concerns were fed back by inspectors to the Registered Manager at the exit meeting. He, too, was aware that these concerns existed and confirmed that every attempt would be made to ensure that nothing currently working well was lost as the company grew.

p.36

Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

Foster carers said that they had been trained sufficiently prior to approval and there was an expectation that afterwards they would attend at least 3 sessions of training per year. They reported variously on the reassurance they gleaned from support groups, some saying they derived a great deal of comfort from meeting others doing a similar job while others said that they did not attend.

p.36

Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

Each foster carer interviewed confirmed that placements were supported by a local authority social worker and the foster children said this too. However, one foster carer said that they were informed that the children for whom they were caring were to be moved, but this decision was reversed shortly afterwards. This caused a great deal of distress to both the children in the placement and to them, as they did not feel sufficiently consulted or their views taken into account.

p.36

Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

There was a clear understanding about the division of responsibility between the duties of a local authority social worker and an agency Link Worker.

p.36

Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

At a Link Worker level, staff reported that relationships with local authority social workers were good. One staff member found them ‘excellent’. At a senior level, however, some relationships were reported as being strained.

p.36

The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

and helps them to develop their skills. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Each foster placement had a named Link Worker employed by the agency and who provided supervision and support on an individual basis.

p.36

The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

Each foster carer placement had a Foster Care Agreement that outlined the issues detailed in Schedule 5 of the Fostering Service Regulations 2002.

p.36

The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

A handbook was given to each foster carer that was comprehensive in its content.

p.36

The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

Foster carers confirmed that Link Workers visited them regularly. They would carry out far more frequent visits in the event that a crisis occurred. Foster carers spoke very positively National Fostering Agency Page 35 about the support they received from their Link Worker who they saw in an affectionate light.

p.36

The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

Foster carers confirmed that during their visits Link Workers examined records and monthly reports provided by the foster carer for each young person in the placement.

p.37

The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

Information was available to foster carers about how to complain and how the agency would deal with allegations made against them personally. In this regard, inspectors were informed about the progress of a small number of complaints. In one case, the local authority appeared to have been tardy in its response and only at the time of writing had it responded to the complainant after CSCI intervention. Foster carers reported that in the event that an allegation was made the agency, although involved in any subsequent investigation, also supported them appropriately.

p.37

The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

The Registered Manager kept on record, but securely, details of allegations made and investigations undertaken.

p.37

provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

their care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 It was evident from discussion with foster carers, the Registered Manager and agency staff that there was a detailed programme of training in place. This included pre-approval and induction training as well as on-going training opportunities. Inspectors observed on one occasion that training took place locally at a convenient time for foster carers to attend. Many had childcare and ‘school run’ responsibilities and this was taken into account by the agency.

p.37

provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

Where two adults in one household were approved as joint carers, the agency had an expectation that both would attend for the required minimum level of training. There was evidence that foster carers were provided with specialist training to support them in dealing with difficult situations. For example, foster carers were provided with behaviour management training to support the placement of a young person who presented very challenging behaviour.

p.37

provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

Each foster carer was subject to an annual review of their approval and this included a review of training undertaken. If it was felt by Panel that a foster carer had undertaken insufficient training, a decision may be made to limit placements.

p.37

provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

The standard was met. National Fostering Agency Page 36

p.37

The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• All appropriate records are kept and are accessible in relation to the fostering services and the individual foster carers and foster children.

p.38

maintained for each child or young person in foster care which details the nature and

quality of care provided and contributes to an understanding of her/his life events.

p.38

Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

anyone involved in her/his care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The children’s files were in good order, clearly sectioned and constructed. Inspectors saw evidence of some very useful and insightful recording by foster carers.

p.38

Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

There was clear evidence that the agency chased up Looked After Children (LAC) documentation.

p.38

Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

In one file, the agency had arranged for an appointment with a health professional after an incident of self-harm.

p.38

Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

In another file, written records were found of feedback from a child relating to the agency. This represented real quality assurance monitoring.

p.38

Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

On a less positive note, inspectors found some significant misfiling of documents that compromised the privacy and confidentiality of children. This matter was brought to the attention of the Registered Manager during the exit meeting and to an Administrator during interview. This will be the subject of a requirement

p.38

Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

Performance indicator 24.3 states that when a child leaves the agency foster care placement, the agency must send all relevant records to the responsible authority. However, in discussion with foster carers, inspectors found that some foster carers were retaining their records while others were disposing of them, albeit securely, and some were returning them to their Link Workers. Link Workers, too, had a mixed view of what must happen to records after a placement finishes. Some expressed the perception that records should remain with the agency.

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Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

This is a complex issue that might require some legal opinion. Regulations 22 and 32 and Schedule 2 of the Fostering Services Regulations 2002 apply. Accordingly, there is no doubt that all relevant records held by the agency, i.e. the whole file, must be returned to the child’s placing authority once the placement ends.

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Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

However, under Regulation 22 of the Fostering Services Regulations 2002, the agency must keep the records listed in Schedule 2 of those Regulations for 15 years, while regulation 32 requires records about foster parents and registers of foster carers to be kept for 10 years, etc., so it should also retain a copy of all relevant records.

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Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

Inspectors, after some subsequent discussion with senior managers, were of the view that National Fostering Agency Page 37 records kept by individual foster carers should be returned in the first instance to the agency.

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Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

Because of the confusion relating to the matter of retention of records, to which a requirement has been attached, and the misfiling that could compromise confidentiality, the standard was not wholly met.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

relevant to the running of the foster care service and as required by regulations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Examination of files showed that separate records referred to in performance indicator 25.2 were being kept by the agency.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

All files seen were being maintained to a good standard as previously mentioned, with the proviso relating to some inaccuracy of filing.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

There was a clear policy in regard to keeping records safe and security of the building was not an issue.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

There were very clear expectations on agency staff for keeping records updated. The agency’s computer programme allowed this to be done effectively. The computer programmes seen by inspectors were impressive in this regard.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

Most records were word-processed and therefore legibility was not an issue.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

Number of current foster placements supported by the agency: 151 Number of placements made by the agency in the last 12 months: 383

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months:

Number of new foster carers approved during the last 12 months: 47 Number of foster carers who left the agency during the last 12 months: 0

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Maximum £

383.00 National Fostering Agency Page 38

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

• The premises used as offices by the fostering service are suitable for the purpose.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

Premises used as offices by the fostering service are appropriate for the purpose. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The offices used by the agency were seen by inspectors to be fit for purpose in regard to their location, access and security.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

Staff had adequate office space, including for administrative tasks. The Registered Manager preferred a ‘hot desking’ arrangement. This made him immediately available and accessible to agency staff.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

The standard was met. National Fostering Agency Page 39

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The agency fostering services are financially viable and appropriate and timely payments are made to foster carers.

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The agency ensures it is financially viable at all times and has sufficient financial

resources to fulfil its obligations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There was no evidence to indicate to inspectors that the organisation was not financially viable. Discussions with foster carers confirmed that the agency was prompt in paying them.

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The agency ensures it is financially viable at all times and has sufficient financial

Staff, too, reported positively on their terms and conditions including the provision of appropriate hardware and equipment to do their job. All had mobile telephones, laptops and a company vehicle.

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The financial processes/systems of the agency are properly operated and maintained

in accordance with sound and appropriate accounting standards and practice. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 See above.

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The financial processes/systems of the agency are properly operated and maintained

The standard was met. National Fostering Agency Page 40

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cost of caring for each child or young person placed with him or her. Payments are

made promptly and at the agreed time. Allowances and fees are reviewed annually. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There was a clear written scale of payments to foster carers. Foster carers themselves expressed the view that allowances were satisfactory and provided sufficient money to allow them to meet the child’s identified needs. However, many foster carers did, undoubtedly, provide additional items, including clothing and toys from their own resources. Inspectors heard that in some cases foster children had been included in foreign family holidays. During the feedback meeting the Registered Manager confirmed that it was the agency’s intention to increase rates again in April 2005 in line with the rise in inflation.

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cost of caring for each child or young person placed with him or her. Payments are

From records given to the Commission for Social Care Inspection it as clear that there had been an increase in allowances within the last 12 months.

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cost of caring for each child or young person placed with him or her. Payments are

The standard was met. National Fostering Agency Page 41

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• Fostering panels are organised efficiently and effectively so as to ensure that

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Fostering panels have clear written policies and procedures, which are implemented

in practice, about the handling of their functions. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Panel was suitably constituted.

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Fostering panels have clear written policies and procedures, which are implemented

Inspectors observed a Panel Meeting in action. At this meeting, three sets of foster carers were considered. The Panel were seen to make appropriate decisions, well considered and suitably delivered by an informed and experienced Chair.

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Fostering panels have clear written policies and procedures, which are implemented

It was clear from comments made at the Panel meeting that it did exercise a quality assurance function for the independent fostering agency.

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Fostering panels have clear written policies and procedures, which are implemented

Suitable written procedures were in place for the operation of the Panel.

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Fostering panels have clear written policies and procedures, which are implemented

Observation by inspectors showed that the Panel did exercise a quality assurance function in respect of the agency’s assessment process.

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Fostering panels have clear written policies and procedures, which are implemented

For medical expertise, the Panel had access to a consultant GP ‘attached’ to the London office. It used the local authority’s own educational personnel for advice and guidance in this area. The Panel did not at the time of the inspection have a member who had been at any time in foster care or who had had a child in foster care, but it was actively seeking such a person. It had identified somebody who had been cared for in a children’s home.

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Fostering panels have clear written policies and procedures, which are implemented

The standard was met. National Fostering Agency Page 42

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• When foster care is provided as a short-term break for a child, the arrangement recognises that the parents remain the main carers for the child.

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have policies and procedures, implemented in practice, to meet the particular needs

of children receiving short-term breaks. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 9 This standard was not applicable. National Fostering Agency Page 43

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• Local authority fostering services' policies and procedures for assessing,

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there is recognition of the particular relationship and position of family and friend

carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 9 This standard was not applicable. National Fostering Agency Page 44

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(where applicable)

A Lay assessor was not part of the inspecting team.

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comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the report for

We would welcome comments on the content of this report relating to the Inspection conducted on 30 th November 2004 and any factual inaccuracies:

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comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the report for

Please limit your comments to one side of A4 if possible National Fostering Agency Page 46

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:

Amendments to the report were necessary YES

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:

Comments were received from the provider NO

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:

Provider comments/factual amendments were incorporated into the final inspection report YES

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to the provider’s comments:

Provider comments are available on file at the Area Office but have not been incorporated into the final inspection report. The inspector believes the report to be factually accurate

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Note:

In instances where there is a major difference of view between the Inspector and the Registered Provider responsible Local Authority fostering service Manager both views will be made available on request to the Area Office.

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report:

Action plan was received at the point of publication YES

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report:

Action plan covers all the statutory requirements in a timely fashion YES

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report:

Action plan did not cover all the statutory requirements and required further discussion

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report:

Provider has declined to provide an action plan

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Public reports

It should be noted that all CSCI inspection reports are public documents. Reports on children’s homes are only obtainable on personal application to CSCI offices. National Fostering Agency Page 47

p.48

Registered Person’s or responsible Local Authority Manager’s statement of

agreement/comments: Please complete the relevant section that applies.

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Designation

Note: In instance where there is a profound difference of view between the Inspector and the Registered Provider both views will be reported. Please attach any extra pages, as applicable.

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National Fostering Agency / 30th November 2004

Commission for Social Care Inspection 33 Greycoat Street London SW1P 2QF

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National Fostering Agency / 30th November 2004

Telephone: 020 7979 2000 Fax: 020 7979 2111

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National Fostering Agency / 30th November 2004

National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 www.csci.org.uk

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National Fostering Agency / 30th November 2004

S0000038843.V187203.R01 © This report may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection

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National Fostering Agency / 30th November 2004

The paper used in this document is supplied from a sustainable source

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