Freedom Fostering

Inspector Hannah Bates

This monitoring visit . Ofsted completed an unannounced monitoring visit because of concerns around a child’s well-being while in the care of a foster carer. The police and local authority are currently investigating the concerns and their investigations are ongoing. The foster carer does not have any children placed with her pending the outcome of the investigation. The agency have acted appropriately and engaged with professionals as part of the investigation.

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Inspector Hannah Bates

Ofsted found two regulatory breaches from this monitoring visit. While the agency had completed a lengthy foster carer assessment for panel, they had not made all attempts to gather the relevant background information in order to provide a clear and in-depth assessment of the foster carer. Risk assessments did not give enough consideration as to the history and experiences of the foster carer and any potential impact on their role as a foster carer.

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Inspector Hannah Bates

The agency has worked effectively with the local authority. The local authority has no concerns regarding the agency’s actions. The agency has followed their own safeguarding procedures and has effectively shared information. The agency has reflected on their recruitment processes. They are waiting for the outcome from the local authority and police prior to being able to fully review the incident and future learnings.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

This is an independent fostering agency registered to provide short- and long-term placements to children and young people aged 0 to 18 years.

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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

The fostering service provider must obtain the information specified in Schedule 3 relating to X and other members of X's household and family, and any other information they consider relevant. (Regulation 26 (2) (a)) 27/02/2017

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Requirement Due date

The fostering service provider must consider whether X is suitable to be a foster parent and whether X's household is suitable for any child. (Regulation 26 (3) (a)) 27/02/2017

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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. out 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

to 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

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

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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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