Match Foster Care

Inspector Hannah Bates

Ofsted carried out this monitoring visit because of concerns regarding a serious incident and to review the quality care for these foster children; the support for the foster parents, and the management of the agency’s functions for decision making

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Inspector Hannah Bates

Ofsted became aware that a serious incident occurred on 3 February 2016. A young person attempted suicide. The host local authority has initiated and concluded its child protection procedures, with no further action from police. The fostering panel recommended termination of foster carer approval. The agency has made a referral to the disclosure and barring service (DBS). This evidences rigorous safeguarding procedures. The placing authority is still considering their next steps.

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Inspector Hannah Bates

Ofsted found no regulatory breaches from this monitoring visit. The agency were supporting and monitoring the foster placement of the children prior to the incident. Communication with the placing authority was good, and remains good. The placing authority have stated that the agency worked collaboratively with them. The agency adhered to their safeguarding procedures throughout this incident. The agency decision maker overruled the panel recommendation not to refer to the DBS, and made a referral, demonstrating independence and their child focus. The children have specifically requested that they remain with the agency in their alternative placement, because they know and trust the agency staff. The placing authority agree to this.

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Inspector Hannah Bates

The agency has reflected on this serious incident and has implemented changes to their practice. They have reviewed the agency’s arrangements for intervention and support within foster placements, as well as the processes for foster carer reassessments, after significant fostering household changes. They plan to implement these improved arrangements.

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Inspector Hannah Bates

Ofsted found no regulatory or national minimum standard shortfalls at this visit. The registered person continues to be fit for registration and there is no change to Ofsted’s judgement, made at the December 2015 full inspection, that this is a good fostering agency with outstanding features.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

This is a small independent fostering agency operated by a private organisation in Droitwich. It provides short and long-term, emergency and respite foster placements for children. There are no conditions applicable.

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that 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 within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

ensure that full and satisfactory information is available in relation to any person who is employed, other than by the fostering service provider, in a position in which that person may in the course of their duties have regular contact with children placed by the fostering service. (Regulation 20 (2)(3)) 2 March 2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further, the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Ensure that the fostering service can demonstrate, including from written records, that it consistently follows good recruitment practice, and all applicable statutory requirements and guidance, in foster carer selection and staff and panel member recruitment. (NMS 19.2)

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the independent fostering agency since its last Ofsted inspection. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. in the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about "Ofsted" which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of this guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234 or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work- based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for children looked after and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234 or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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