24 Seven Fostering Services

Inspector Seka Graovac

The purpose of the unannounced monitoring visit was to look at some aspects of the management arrangements, the transition arrangements and notifications. Ofsted had received information from different sources that questioned the service’s compliance with a number of the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011. These concerns resulted in a decision to undertake an unannounced monitoring visit to the agency. It must be stated that the agency had experienced major difficulties with their information systems prior to the visit. This data system failure meant it was not possible to access any of the agency’s records. Therefore, only a limited methodology was deployed during this visit. Management arrangements and notice of changes (Regulations 6,7,8 and 39) In April 2016, the registered provider notified Ofsted that the registered manager had ceased to manage the agency. The provider put satisfactory interim

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Inspector Seka Graovac

management arrangements in place. The senior supervising social worker, supported by the directors, has been in charge of the day-to-day management of the service. She was appointed to become a permanent manager of this service from 1 July 2016. The plan is for her to apply for registration with Ofsted by August 2016. The agency’s duty to secure welfare of children and to support foster carers during their transition to another fostering provider, in particular if an allegation is made against the carers during the notice period (Regulations 11,12,17 and 28) The agency’s management has a good working knowledge of the up-to-date protocol for the transfer of foster carers and the underpinning regulations. They provided clear examples of ways in which they implemented this protocol, both in situations when the transfer included children and when it did not. They collaborated with the placing authorities to ensure smooth transition for children

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Inspector Seka Graovac

and to ensure good child protection and safeguarding practice. All the agency’s foster carers are registered members of an organisation that provides them with independent professional support. This arrangement is in place for the duration of the foster carers’ approval with the agency. Notifiable events, in particular in relation to suspected child sexual exploitation (Regulation 36, Schedule 7) The management has taken appropriate steps to improve the timeliness of the notifications sent to Ofsted. This was an issue that they identified through their internal monitoring processes. They reinforced the message in the team that any suspicion that a child might be sexually exploited must be shared in a timely manner with Ofsted, the placing authority and any other service with a relevant safeguarding role. The management understands that their responsibility for safeguarding children does not end with sharing information. For instance, they

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Inspector Seka Graovac

have called for a professionals’ meeting to agree protective strategies in respect of the identified risks. In conclusion no regulatory breaches were identified. The provider and managers demonstrated having a good understanding of what constitutes good fostering practice. They expressed having a strong commitment to achieving compliance with the regulations consistently and to implementing good practice in their work.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

The agency is privately owned. It aims to provide a wide variety of fostering placements, including emergency placements, in London and surrounding counties.

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor compliance with the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

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Information about this inspection

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 the guidance, please telephone 0300123 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, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children 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

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn . 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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