Setting SC467629

This monitoring visit

This service was judged inadequate at the full inspection on 15 January 2015. This monitoring visit concludes that suitable steps have been taken to address the shortfalls.

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This monitoring visit

A key part of the improvement strategy is the proposed recruitment of a new manager. This process is underway and interviews of applicants have been arranged. Once this is achieved, the current manager will become the agency decision maker because this post is currently vacant. Improved recruitment processes are in use to ensure that only suitable people are employed or engaged. This process includes additional searches of local authority data-bases for information about new panel members and staff members. Previous gaps in records have been addressed and the manager has completed a training course on safe recruitment. These steps mean that children are suitably protected from inappropriate adults.

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This monitoring visit

No carers have been recruited and no recruitment is currently underway. However, documents such as the minutes of panel meetings and training records, are now signed-off by the manager and a new electronic system of recording information has been purchased. These steps help to ensure that all records are completed accurately and fully.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has now completed her level five management training. In addition, she has also completed bespoke training about assessments and decision-making in a fostering agency. Other training has included on-line courses and training for panel members. Advice has been obtained from specialist organisations about the operation of a fostering agency and the manager receives regular supervision. This has sufficiently improved the manager’s understanding of the shortfalls identified at the last inspection.

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This monitoring visit

Changes have occurred to the membership of the panel and further recruitment is underway, including to the post of panel chair. The assessments that had ended before completion have been considered by panel, as required, and the necessary letters sent to applicants. This means that the necessary regulatory steps have occurred.

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This monitoring visit

A clear system of regular monitoring occurs and the directors are committed to using additional methods when the service is operating normally. This improved system is already operating in the organisation’s children’s homes. The monitoring reports are shared regularly with Ofsted to demonstrate transparency and progress. Overall, these improvements mean there are no regulatory shortfalls. However, important changes are necessary, particularly to the recruitment of key personnel, before the service can accept any referrals.

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Information about this agency

This agency is a newly registered service. No carers have been approved and no children are in placement. 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 agency

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.

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Information about this agency

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Information about this agency

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Information about this agency

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Information about this agency

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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