Foster Cares Ltd

Foster Cares Ltd Inspection report for independent fostering agency

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Unique reference number SC036057 Inspection date 27/06/2014 Inspector Stella Henderson Type of inspection Full Provision subtype

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Setting address Foster Cares Ltd, 7 Fern Court, Bracken Hill Business Park, PETERLEE, County Durham, SR8 2RR

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Telephone number Email Registered person Foster Cares Limited Registered manager POST VACANT Responsible individual Colin Rice Date of last inspection 11/10/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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Brief description of the service

Foster Cares Ltd is a privately run independent fostering agency. It consists of a main branch based in Durham which covers the North East region and an office that operates from Manchester which covers the North West region.

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Brief description of the service

This is a medium-sized agency with team managers in both Durham and Manchester. There are seven supervising social workers and suitable administrative support. In addition independent social workers are employed to undertake the assessment of prospective foster carers and conduct annual reviews of foster carers.

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Brief description of the service

The agency as a whole currently provides foster care to 82 children and young people with 68 fostering families. It has recruited 28 new foster carers over the last year. The agency offers placements for children and young people aged between 0 to 18 year olds, with a number of 'staying put' placements to support those over the age of 18 years.

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Brief description of the service

The range of services offered include short-term, long term and permanent placements, mother and baby and bridging placements. The agency also provides placements for children living with its carers or with other carers on a 'respite care' basis.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding : An agency demonstrating and exceeding the characteristics of a good judgement where children and young people are making significantly better progress and achieving more than was expected in all areas of their lives. Good : An agency where children and young people, including those with the most complex needs, have their individual needs met and their welfare safeguarded and promoted. They make good progress and receive effective services so they achieve as well as they can in all areas of their lives. Requires improvement : An agency that may be compliant with regulations and observing the national minimum standards but is not yet demonstrating the characteristics of a good judgement. It therefore requires improvement to be good. There may be failures to meet all regulations or national minimum standards but these are not widespread or serious; all children’s and young people’s welfare is

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

safeguarded and promoted. Inadequate : An agency where there are widespread or serious failures which result in children and young people not having their welfare safeguarded and promoted.

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Overall effectiveness

This agency has a mixed picture of performance and requires improvement in some areas.

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Overall effectiveness

Children and young people experience good and in some cases significantly improved outcomes across all aspects of their development. Progress is particularly strong in relation to their education and emotional resilience. Health outcomes are good for all children and young people. Those with more complex needs receive the additional help and support they need.

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Overall effectiveness

Children and young people are safe in their foster homes. They know who to turn to if they feel unsafe or have any worries. Children and young people learn how to protect themselves from dangers outside of the home while exercising as much independence and choice as possible.

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Overall effectiveness

The majority of children and young people (53%) are in permanent long-term placements, with some on special guardianship orders. This compares to a national average of 35%. This guarantee of long term care gives children and young people considerable stability. It provides them with a chance to develop strong attachments to their carers and be fully integrated into their foster families. For these reasons the agency is judged as good overall.

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Overall effectiveness

Quality of care and leadership and management both requirement improvement. There are many positive elements in both areas of practice. The quality of care provided by carers and staff is of a very high standard. Foster carers are adept at helping children and young people to catch up on the things they've missed out on and feel safe in the world.

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Overall effectiveness

Children and young people's progress is closely tracked and monitored. Staff are suitably qualified and highly experienced. The agency has strong partnership working with other professionals who form part of 'the team around the child'.

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Overall effectiveness

However, there is an accumulation of shortfalls around the operation of the agency's fostering panels and monitoring systems. These deficits have no impact on the safety and well being of children and young people, but means that the agency does not run with optimum efficiency and effectiveness.

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Overall effectiveness

The provider took immediate action during the course of this inspection to address these matters. As a result the majority of the shortfalls had been rectified before the end of the inspection.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2011) appoint a person to chair the panel who, in the case of any appointment made after 1st October 2011, must be independent of the fostering service provider and one or two persons who may act as chair if the person appointed to chair the panel is absent from the person's central list (Regulation 23)(4)(i)(ii) 28/07/2014

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2011) ensure that no business is conducted by a fostering panel unless at least the following meet as the panel: either the person appointed to chair the panel or one of the vice chairs, a social worker who has at least three years experience and three other members (Regulation 24)(1)(i)(ii)(iii) 28/07/2014

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 review and implement policies and procedures on recruitment to and maintenance of the central list of persons considered by them to be suitable as members of the central list (NMS 14.1)  improve the quality of the written minutes of panel meetings. This is with specific reference to clearly attributing the comments of those attending panel (NMS 14.7)  ensure the decision-maker makes a considered decision within seven working days of receipt of the recommendation and final set of panel minutes (NMS 14.9)  improve the system to monitor all records kept by the service to ensure compliance with the services policies, to identify any concerns about specific incidents and to identify patterns and trends. Immediate action is taken to address any issues raised by this monitoring (NMS 25.2)  revise the written reports to the independent fostering service's board members to enable the board to satisfy themselves the service is effective, achieving good

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Recommendations

outcomes for children and is compliant with the conditions of registration (NMS 25.7)(a)(b)(c)  improve the system to notify, within 24 hours, persons and appropriate authorities of the occurrence of significant events in accordance with regulation 35. (NMS 29.1)

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Experiences and progress of, and outcomes for, children and young people

Children and young people make good and in some cases exceptional progress. They experience affection and stability as valued members of their foster families. They live life to the full and have many enjoyable experiences which impacts on their overall outcomes. One independent reviewing officer (IRO) described children as having, 'vastly improved outcomes.'

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Experiences and progress of, and outcomes for, children and young people

The majority of children and young people achieve permanence through agreed long term arrangements including special guardianship orders. This allows them to build up secure trusting relationships with their carers, gives them time to heal emotional wounds, and enables them to get on with their lives. A placing social worker noted that, 'the carers demonstrate emotional warmth and nurturing towards the young person and this has helped him to feel secure.'

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Experiences and progress of, and outcomes for, children and young people

Children and young people say they feel safe and secure. As a result they get a lot out of their placements, particularly education. Younger children attend early years provisions and pre-school groups. This helps them to make up lost ground in their development and prepare for school. Children of compulsory school age have a 100% attendance record. This means they have every chance of getting the most out of their education and achieve their individual goals.

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Experiences and progress of, and outcomes for, children and young people

A placing social worker complimented foster carers on their support for a young person; 'They have supported him in his education and this was something he struggled with prior to becoming looked after. It is expected he will achieve some good examination results and secure an apprenticeship.'

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Experiences and progress of, and outcomes for, children and young people

All older teenagers have a place in work, training or education. The number of young people gaining places at university has increased. Others undertake a range of courses at further education colleges, or embarking on apprenticeships. This provides them with good foundations to take their place in the work force.

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Experiences and progress of, and outcomes for, children and young people

Children and young people's lives are enriched by small and large achievements, exposure to new and exciting experiences and 'red letter' days. This includes attending their first football match, learning to ride a bike without stabilisers, making their holy communion or going to their first school proms.

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Experiences and progress of, and outcomes for, children and young people

Some children and young people have fantastic opportunities to travel abroad, often to Europe but sometimes as far away as Australia. A placing social worker commented that a young person had, 'good social opportunities and is regarded as part of the carers family.'

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Experiences and progress of, and outcomes for, children and young people

Children and young people have lots of interests and hobbies. There have sleepovers at friends, attend guides and brownies, go horse riding, play football and are involved amateur dramatics. Some are learning to play the violin, others learn martial arts.

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Experiences and progress of, and outcomes for, children and young people

These activities make a difference to children and young people's physical and emotional health. They help children and young people stay fit and active, build confidence and self-esteem. Friendships grow and participation in their local communities develops. This helps children and young people to gain a sense of belonging. A placing social worker noted a young person had, 'grown and matured, his confidence has improved and he has more self worth.'

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Experiences and progress of, and outcomes for, children and young people

Children and young people maintain basic good health through attention to healthy diets, routine health checks and up to date immunisations. Those with complex health needs get specialist help where required and for as long as they need it. A social worker commented on the support a young person received which, 'had improved their dexterity and movement'.

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Experiences and progress of, and outcomes for, children and young people

Brothers and sisters benefit from being placed together. Contact arrangements with friends and family are managed well and with children and young people's choices and safety in mind. Family are welcome to visit foster carers own home where possible. An IRO commented that carers, 'worked well with birth family and this has been of benefit to the children.'

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Experiences and progress of, and outcomes for, children and young people

Children and young people are encouraged to be as independent as possible. For younger children this means being able to manage tasks such as dressing themselves, helping to set the table or look after pets. For older teenagers this extends to taking responsibility for some decision-making such as making their own medical appointments and learning practical tasks such as cooking. This means they are well prepared for the next steps in independence.

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Quality of service

Judgement outcome: requires improvement .

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Quality of service

There are many things that contribute to the good quality of care that children and young people receive. In the overwhelming majority of cases, they are well-matched with their carers. This provides the foundation for long and stable placements. It gives foster carers time to get to know children and young people really well and understand their characters and personalities. One IRO noted that foster carers, 'provide a lovely family experience to the young people in placement. They are very much part of the family and included in everything.'

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Quality of service

The majority of children and young people therefore develop very strong attachments to their carers. When they leave their foster carers they usually do so in a planned and sensitive manner, fully supported by their foster carers. For example, one foster carer accompanied a young person to their college interview and helped source appropriate accommodation. The number of placement disruptions is slightly higher at 10% than the national average which is 7%. This is rarely the result of poor matching but arises from number of factors, often outside the control of the agency.

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Quality of service

Young people often go on to other carers within the organisation where they remain. In all events the agency undertakes an end of placement meeting to see whether things could have been done differently. This reflective practice helps to reduce the likelihood of disruptions occurring in the future.

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Quality of service

Foster carers are confident and capable in their role. They feel as though they are on equal terms with other professionals and their views are taken into account. One foster carer said, 'I didn't use to be confident. Now I make myself heard at meetings - if I have a voice then the young person has a voice'. An IRO noted, 'foster carers provide information for the review meetings and support young people to share their wishes and feelings.'

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Quality of service

Foster carers are pro-active in liaising with other professionals to get the best for the children and young people they look after. They meet with education and health professionals, chase appointments and are strong advocates for securing more and better resources.

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Quality of service

Delegated authority gives them maximum flexibility to take decisions relating to children and young people in their care. This means they can agree to the same sort of everyday decisions that all parents make, such as sleepovers with friends, going on school trips or getting a haircut. This means children and young people can get on with their lives without delay or stigma.

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Quality of service

The overwhelming majority of carers have completed mandatory training. They take advantage of a diverse range of training events on topics such as 'dynamic attachment', child sexual exploitation, substance misuse and foetal alcohol syndrome. Foster carers say they find training useful and enlightening. They describe supervisions as supportive but challenging.

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Quality of service

Quality of care requires improvement because of inconsistent practice in the constitution and operation of the agency's fostering panels. These shortfalls have no impact on children and young people. This is because there is basic good practice which protects their interests. Panel members get information for panel business well within recommended timescales. There is very effective scrutiny of prospective foster carers. Applications to foster are sometimes deferred until the foster panel is completely satisfied about applicant's suitability. Applications are on occasion turned down by the panel and agency decision-maker.

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Quality of service

However processes and procedures to support the panel and their decision-making are not always fully implemented. There is confusion about who is appointed to the central list of panel members. This has caused the panel to be inquorate on occasion.

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Quality of service

Panel minutes clearly record reasons for recommendations of approval. This is a recommendation that has been met from the last inspection. The quality of the panel minutes is inconsistent however. It is not always clear who is presenting cases or being asked questions by panel members. The agency decision-maker does not always spell out the reasons for his decisions. A panel chair also works for the agency as a reviewing officer. This means that their independence from the agency is compromised.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Safeguarding practice is good. Foster carers understand their role in keeping children and young people safe. There is strong partnership working with all safeguarding agencies. Complaints and allegations are promptly dealt with. Any concerns about possible child sexual exploitation are fully investigated. A social worker commented that a safeguarding matter, 'was dealt with in a swift and appropriate manner with measurable outcomes being put in place'.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Young people say they feel very safe in their placements. They are supported to take appropriate risks as part of normal growing up. There is a measured approach to risk assessment while making sure they are protected from harm and supported to make informed choices. They feel confident about who to speak to if they're worried about anything.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Children and young people's vulnerabilities are clearly identified in their placement plans. Foster carers skilfully manage behaviours in a measured, helpful and protective way. As a result young people generally do not engage in risky behaviours. The number of young people who leave their foster homes without permission is reducing. Those who have previously committed crimes have not done so since being placed with the agency.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Children and young people are helped to keep themselves safe in the community by learning about 'stranger danger'. A reviewing officer said that children and young people are 'encouraged to make appropriate friendships in a safe manner and invite these friends to the home.' Foster carers make sure children and young people are protected while using social media, by having passwords and blocking mechanisms for devices.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Checks and vetting of foster carers and staff is good. This ensures no one who is unsuitable to work with children and young people is employed by the agency.

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Leadership and management

Judgement outcome: requires improvement .

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Leadership and management

The registered manager became the Responsible Individual in 2014. The interim management arrangements are successfully undertaken by an experienced team manager whose application for registration is lodged with Ofsted. The agency has met recommendations from the last inspection in relation to improving confidentiality where records are concerned, recording decisions at panel, making amendments to the children’s guide and improving health and safety assessments. This demonstrates a capacity for improvement.

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Leadership and management

The needs and safety of children and young people clearly underpins the work of the agency. A foster carer commented on how the agency puts children at the centre of what they do. The carer described the agency as being 'ambitious' for children and wanting them to succeed.

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Leadership and management

Foster carers said supervising social workers give very helpful support, but let them know if they're not getting things right. Young people confirmed that supervising social workers spend time with them, getting to know them and helping them with problems or to get the things they need. An IRO noted that, 'the supervising social worker attends children's reviews and provides information - it is evident that she has developed a relationship with the children and is aware of current issues and events.'

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Leadership and management

The agency is held in regard by other professionals. A commissioning officer noted, 'the impression of the organisation is that as efficient, organised with a good quality work force and robust reporting mechanisms.' A placing social worker commented on the, 'good communication between myself and the fostering agency and supervising social worker'.

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Leadership and management

Recruitment is effective in securing the number and type of foster carers that commissioning officers require and children need. Foster carers come from very diverse backgrounds. This meets children and young people's needs in terms of their ethnicity, sexuality and gender.

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Leadership and management

There is innovative use of a 'mobile recruiting office'. This is a motorhome which the recruitment officer drives around to local events. This allows the agency to really focus on where the need for foster care is greatest, and drive to that area to recruit local carers within the area of a local authority.

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Leadership and management

There are several ways in which the agency monitors the quality of care for children and young people to drive forward improvement. Outcomes for children and young people are closely tracked. The opinions of children and young people and their foster carers agency are actively sought by the agency. Their views have influenced the agencies policies, the format for annual reviews, the children's guide, the choice of activities and training events.

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Leadership and management

Foster carers are held to account by an independent review which judges their work against recognised national competences. This takes into account the views of children and placing social workers. Staff and panel members undergo annual appraisals. The agency provides Ofsted with a yearly monitoring report and provides it's management board with quarterly assessments. These give a strategic overview of the agency's performance. Monitoring is therefore very thorough in many respects. The things that should take priority, such as outcomes for children and their safety are monitored very well. However day-to-day monitoring of systems, processes and procedures is less successful.

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Leadership and management

If monitoring systems were more robust, the shortfalls in practice around the fostering panel and timely notifications to Ofsted identified at this inspection would have been addressed. The manager's quarterly report to the executive board is another opportunity to pick up on these issues, but has not done so. The executive board itself has not exercised enough scrutiny to satisfy itself that the agency is effective and fully compliant with the regulations.

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Leadership and management

These procedural shortfalls have no impact on the welfare and safety of children and young people, or on the timely recruitment of carers. It does however make the agency less efficient and effective than it might be. In addition, it means that the excellent work undertaken by staff and foster carers is not always fully captured.

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards and to support services to improve.

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About this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the inspection framework and the evaluation schedule for the inspection of independent fostering agencies.

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