Channel Fostercare Ltd

Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 1 Channel Fostercare Ltd Channel Fostercare Limited 23 Church Street, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 3AG Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this independent fostering agency

Channel Foster Care Limited is a small independent fostering agency based in Somerset, with carers in the surrounding counties. This agency offers short-term, long-term and respite fostering placements to children and young people aged from birth to 17 years of age, including disabled children. The agency uses independent assessors and trainers and has two part-time supervising social workers. A small administrative team supports the service. There are currently six children placed in six fostering households, all of whom have been referred by local authorities in the south and south-west of England. An independently chaired panel meets to make recommendations about the approval of carers and the review of approved carers. The agency‘s decision-maker is externally employed.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

Inspection dates: 15 to 20 November 2017

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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inadequate

How well children and young people are helped and protected inadequate

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inadequate

The effectiveness of leaders and managers inadequate

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inadequate

There are serious and/or widespread failures that mean children and young people are not protected or their welfare is not promoted or safeguarded and/or the care and experiences of children and young people are poor and they are not making progress.

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inadequate

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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inadequate

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 2

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Key findings from this inspection

This independent fostering agency is inadequate because:

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Key findings from this inspection

 Following the resignation of the previous owner and responsible individual on 20 October 2017, the agency has operated without a registered manager holding a social work qualification for nearly a year. The previous non-social work qualified responsible individual ran the agency without being on site regularly. As a result, she failed to ensure that management systems to review children‘s safety, progress and experience were effective. Information is not stored centrally and not all required information has been recorded. Prior to the arrival of the new manager, the supervising social workers had not received supervision or appraisal for nearly a year.  The new owner appointed a responsible individual on 24 October 2017 and a social work qualified manager on 31 October 2017. The responsible individual has provided Ofsted with confirmation of her own qualifications, experience and skills. The new manager intends to submit an application for

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Key findings from this inspection

registration with urgency and is completing an emergency improvement plan.  Managers are not providing support groups for carers or children.  Children have not been adequately safeguarded. Foster carers have received conflicting advice from different agency workers about how to provide care from agency staff.  Risk assessments are out of date. They do not help foster carers to look after children safely. Assessments of foster carers take too long. Training is of poor quality and out of date.  Children communicate their views through their carers and social workers. They do not have an opportunity to communicate through other means or forums and so do not directly influence the agency‘s decision-making.  Some important policies and procedures are out of date. Procedures relating to children who go missing, safeguarding and child protection do not contain the most recent legislation.  Records indicate that some staff and some fostering panel members have

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Key findings from this inspection

not had safer recruitment checks. Fostering panel members have not received any training or appraisal of their performance. On one occasion, a fostering panel that was inquorate went ahead. The agency decision-maker and panel chair have identified that not all assessments of carers are of a sufficient standard for decision-makers to reach a decision.  The agency does not hold a central record of complaints and concerns. There is no statement of purpose or children‘s guide. Ofsted has not been notified of serious incidents and the required quality assurance reports have not been completed or sent to Ofsted. Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 3 The independent fostering agency‘s strengths:

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Key findings from this inspection

 The new owner has invested in experienced and qualified consultants to provide support and supervision to the new responsible individual and manager. The manager is forming an urgent action plan to address immediate issues of concern relating to child protection, staffing, supervision and training, alongside short- and longer-term objectives.  Children‘s day-to-day experiences are positive. Foster carers report that children are making progress and can give examples of how children have developed since they came to live with their carers. All of the children go to school and none have gone missing. Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 4

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet 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

Statement of purpose and children‘s guide.

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Requirement Due date

The fostering service provider must compile a written statement in relation to the fostering service (―the statement of purpose‖) which consists of—

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a statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service, and a statement as to the services and facilities (including any parent and child arrangements) provided by the fostering service.

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The fostering service provider must provide a copy of the statement of purpose to the Chief Inspector, place a copy on their website (if they have one), and make copies available, upon request, to —

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any person working for the purposes of the fostering service, any foster parent or prospective foster parent of the fostering service

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Requirement Due date

any child placed with a foster parent by the fostering service, and the parent of any such child. (Regulation 3(1)(a)(b)2(a)(b)(c)(d)) 23/01/2018

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Independent fostering agencies—duty to secure welfare

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The registered person in respect of an independent fostering agency must ensure that—

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the welfare of children placed or to be placed with foster parents is safeguarded and promoted at all times, and before making any decision affecting a child placed or to be placed with a foster parent due consideration is given to the child‘s—

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wishes and feelings (having regard to the child‘s age and 10/01/2018 Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 5 understanding),

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and religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and linguistic background. (Regulation 11 (1)(a)(b)(i)(ii))

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 ensure that full consideration is given to matching children with carers.  Ensure that carers have the appropriate training and guidance.

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Arrangements for the protection of children

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The fostering service provider must prepare and implement a written policy which—

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is intended to safeguard children placed with foster parents from abuse or neglect, and

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sets out the procedure to be followed in the event of any allegation of abuse or neglect.

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The procedure under paragraph (1)(b) must, subject to paragraph (4), provide in particular for—

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liaison and co-operation with any local authority which is, or may be, making child protection enquiries in relation to any child placed by the fostering service provider,

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the prompt referral to the area authority of any allegation of abuse or neglect affecting any child placed by the fostering service provider,

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notification of the instigation and outcome of any child protection enquiries involving a child placed by the fostering service provider, to the Chief Inspector,

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written records to be kept of any allegation of abuse or neglect, and of the action taken in response,

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consideration to be given to the measures which may be necessary to protect children placed with foster parents following an allegation of abuse or neglect, and arrangements to be made for persons working for the purposes of the fostering service, foster parents and children placed by the fostering service, to have the address (including email address), and telephone number of— 10/12/2017 Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 6 the area authority, and the Chief Inspector, for the purposes of referring any concern about child welfare or safety to them.

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Requirement Due date

In this regulation ―child protection enquiries‖ means any enquiries carried out by a local authority in the exercise of any of its functions conferred by or under the 1989 Act relating to the protection of children. (Regulation 12 (1)(a)(b)(3)(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(i)(ii)(5))

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 Ensure that an action plan is completed which urgently addresses child protection and safeguarding concerns.

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Behaviour management and children missing from foster parent‘s home.

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The fostering service provider must prepare and implement a written policy on acceptable measures of control, restraint and discipline of children placed with foster parents.

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The fostering service provider must take all reasonable steps to ensure that—

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restraint is used on a child only where it is necessary to prevent injury to the child or other persons, or serious damage to property.

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The fostering service provider must prepare and implement a policy, which is agreed with the local police, setting out—

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the measures to be followed to prevent children placed with foster parents from going missing from their placement, and the procedure to be followed when a child is missing from a foster parent‘s home without permission.(Regulation 13(1)(2)(3)(a)(b)) 11/12/2017

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Requirement Due date

Support, training and information for foster parents

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Requirement Due date

The fostering service provider must provide foster parents with such training, advice, information and support, including support outside office hours, as appears necessary in the interests of children placed with them.

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Requirement Due date

The fostering service provider must take all reasonable steps to ensure that foster parents are familiar with, and act in accordance with the policies established in accordance with 10/01/2018 Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 7 regulations 12(1) and 13(1) and (3).

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Requirement Due date

The fostering service provider must ensure that, in relation to any child placed or to be placed with a foster parent, the foster parent is given such information, which is kept up to date, as to enable him to provide appropriate care for the child, and in particular that each foster parent is provided with a copy of the most recent version of the child‘s care plan provided to the fostering service provider under regulation 6(3)(d) of the Care Planning Regulations. (Regulation 17(1)(2)(3))

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 Ensure that all new foster carers have an induction.

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Independent fostering agencies – representations and complaints

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Subject to paragraph (7), the registered person in respect of an independent fostering agency must establish a written procedure for considering complaints made by or on behalf of children placed by the agency, and by foster parents approved by the agency.

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The procedure must, in particular, provide—

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for an opportunity for informal resolution of the complaint at an early stage,

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that no person who is the subject of a complaint takes part in its consideration other than, if the registered person considers it appropriate, at the informal resolution stage only,

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for dealing with complaints about the registered person,

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for complaints to be made by a person acting on behalf of a child,

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children placed by the agency (subject to their age and understanding),

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persons working for the purposes of the independent fostering agency, and for a copy of the procedure to be supplied to any of those persons on request. 10/1/2018 Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 8 The copy of the procedure supplied under paragraph (2)(e) must include—

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the name, address (including email address), and telephone number of the Chief Inspector, and

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details of the procedure (if any) which has been notified to the registered person by the Chief Inspector for the making of complaints to the Chief Inspector relating to independent fostering agencies.

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The registered person must ensure that a written record is made of any complaint or representation, the action taken in response to it, and the outcome of the investigation.

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children are enabled to make a complaint or representation, and

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no child is subject to any reprisal for making a complaint or representation.

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The registered person must, on request, supply the Chief Inspector with a statement containing a summary of any complaints made during the preceding 12 months and the action taken in response.

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This regulation (apart from paragraph (4)) does not apply in relation to any matter to which the Children Act 1989 Representations Procedure (England) Regulations 2006 applies (1). (Regulation 8(1)(2)(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(i)(ii)(iii)(3)(a)(b) (4)(5)(a)(b)(6)(7))

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This paragraph applies 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.

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is physically and mentally fit for the work they are to perform,

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and full and satisfactory information is available in relation to that person in respect of each of the matters specified in Schedule 1.

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The fostering service provider must take reasonable steps to 11/12/2018 Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 9 ensure that any person working for a fostering service who is not employed by the fostering service, and to whom paragraph (2) does not apply, is appropriately supervised while carrying out their duties. (Regulation 20 (2)(c)(4))

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ensure that all permanent appointments are subject to the satisfactory completion of a period of probation, and

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The fostering service provider must ensure that all persons employed by them—

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receive appropriate training, supervision and appraisal. (Regulation 21(1((a)(4)(a)) 11/01/2018

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No business may be conducted by a fostering panel unless at least the following meet as the panel—

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one member who is a social worker who has at least three years‘ relevant post-qualifying experience. (Regulation 24(1)(ii)) 04/12/2018

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The fostering service provider must review the approval of the foster parent in accordance with this regulation.

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When undertaking a review, the fostering service provider must—

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any child placed with the foster parent (subject to the child‘s age and understanding)

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As soon as practicable after making the decision referred to in paragraph (9), (9A), (10)(b) or (11), the fostering service provider must give written notice to the foster parent stating (as the case may be)—

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the revised terms of the approval and the reasons for the revision.

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(Regulation 28(1)(3)(ii)(12)(c)) 04/12/2018 Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 10 Review of quality of care

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The registered person must maintain a system for—

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monitoring the matters set out in Schedule 6 at appropriate intervals, and improving the quality of foster care provided by the fostering agency.

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The registered person must provide the Chief Inspector with a written report in respect of any review conducted for the purposes of paragraph (1) and, on request, to any local authority.

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The system referred to in paragraph (1) must provide for consultation with foster parents, children placed with foster parents, and their placing authority (unless, in the case of a fostering agency which is a voluntary organisation, it is also the placing authority). (Regulation 35(1)(a)(b)(2)(3)) 20/1/2018

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If any of the events listed in column 1 of the table in Schedule 7 takes place in relation to a fostering agency, the registered person must without delay notify the persons or bodies indicated in respect of the event in column 2 of the table.

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Any notification made in accordance with this regulation which is given orally must be confirmed in writing. (Regulation 36(1)(2)) 23/11/2017

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Recommendations

 1: The child‘s wishes and feelings. Children understand how their views have been taken into account and where significant wishes or concerns are not acted upon, they are helped to understand why. Children communicate their views on all aspects of their care and support. Children have access to independent advice and support from adults who they can contact directly and in private about problems or concerns, which is appropriate to their age and understanding. Children know their rights to advocacy, how to access an advocate and how to contact the Children‘s Rights Director. Children can take up issues in the most appropriate way with support, without fear that this will result in any adverse consequences. Children receive prompt feedback on any concerns or complaints raised and are kept informed of progress. the wishes, feelings and views of children and those significant to them are Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 11

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Recommendations

taken into account in monitoring foster carers and developing the fostering service. (NMS 1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5)

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Recommendations

 3: Promoting positive behaviour. Each foster carer is aware of all the necessary information available to the fostering service about a child‘s circumstances, including any significant recent events, to help the foster carer understand and predict the child‘s needs and behaviours and support the child within their household. The fostering service follows up with the responsible authority where all such necessary information has not been provided by the authority. (NMS 3.9)

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Recommendations

 13: Recruiting and assessing foster carers. People who are interested in becoming foster carers are treated fairly, without prejudice, openly and with respect. Enquiries are dealt with courteously and efficiently by staff who have the necessary knowledge and skills. Prospective foster carers are provided with timely and relevant information following their initial enquiry and are kept informed about the progress of any subsequent application for approval. Prospective foster carers are prepared to become foster carers in a way which addresses, and gives practical techniques to manage, the issues they are likely to encounter and identifies the competencies and strengths they have or need to develop.

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Recommendations

The assessment process is set out clearly to prospective foster carers, including: a. the qualities, skills or aptitudes being sought or to be achieved; b. the standards to be applied in the assessment; c. the stages and content of the selection process and where possible timescales involved; d. the information to be given to applicants.

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Recommendations

The written report on the person‘s suitability to be approved as a foster carer sets out clearly all the information that the fostering panel and decision maker needs in order to make an objective approval decision. The reports are accurate, up-to-date and include evidence based information that distinguishes between fact, opinion and third party information. The reports are prepared, signed and dated by the social worker who assessed the prospective foster carer and countersigned and dated by the fostering team manager or a team manager of another of the provider‘s fostering teams. Areas of concern, or need for additional support, that are identified between reviews are addressed. Such matters identified between reviews are addressed at the time they are identified, where appropriate, rather than waiting for a review. (NMS 13.2, 13.3, 13.4, 13.7, 13.9)

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Recommendations

 14: Fostering panels and the fostering service‘s decision-maker. The fostering panel makes its recommendation on the suitability of a prospective foster carer within eight months of receipt of the prospective foster carer‘s application to be assessed. The panel chair ensures written minutes of panel meetings are accurate and clearly cover the key issues and views expressed by panel members and record the reasons for its recommendation. (NMS 14.4, 14.7) Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 12  15: Matching the child with a placement that meets their assessed needs. Prior to the placement of each child, the foster carer is provided with all the information held by the fostering service that they need to carry out their role effectively. The information is provided in a clear, comprehensive written form and includes the support that will be available to the foster carer. The fostering

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Recommendations

service follows up with the responsible authority any gaps in the information provided to them on the child or the child‘s family, which may hinder the foster carer in providing a safe caring environment that meets the child‘s needs and enables them to keep the child, other children in the fostering household and the foster carer him/herself safe. Once placed, a child is not removed from a foster carer who is willing and able to continue caring for the child, unless that is in their best interests, taking the child‘s current wishes and feelings into account, and decided (other than in an emergency) through the child‘s care planning process. If a placement move occurs in an emergency the fostering service informs the responsible authority within one working day. (15.2, 15.3)

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Recommendations

 23: Learning, development and qualifications of staff. Each person on the central list is given induction training which is completed within 10 weeks of joining the central list. Each person on the central list is given the opportunity of attending an annual joint training day with the fostering service‘s fostering staff. Each person on the central list has access to appropriate training and skills development and is kept abreast of relevant changes to legislation and guidance. The fostering service‘s decision-maker is a senior person within the fostering service, or is a trustee or director of the fostering service, who is a social worker with at least 3 years‘ post-qualifying experience in childcare social work and has knowledge of childcare law and practice. (NMS 23.9, 23.10, 23.11, 23.12)

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Recommendations

 24: Staff support and supervision. Staff have access to support and advice, and are provided with regular supervision by appropriately qualified and experienced staff. A written record is kept by the fostering service detailing the time, date and length of each supervision held for each member of staff, including the registered person. The record is signed by the supervisor and the member of staff at the end of the supervision. All staff have their performance individually and formally appraised at least annually and, where they are working with children, this appraisal takes into account any views of children the service is providing for. (NMS 24.4, 24.5, 24.6)

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Recommendations

 25: Managing effectively and efficiently and monitoring the service. The manager regularly monitors all records kept by the service to ensure compliance with the service‘s 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. Management of the service ensures all staff‘s work and all fostering activity is consistent with the 2011 Regulations and NMS and with the service‘s policies and procedures. Managers, staff, volunteers and foster carers are clear about their roles and responsibilities. The level of delegation and responsibility of the manager, and the lines of accountability, are clearly defined. Clear arrangements are in place Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 13 to identify the person in charge when the registered manager, or local authority fostering service manager, is absent. The executive side of the local

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Recommendations

authority or the independent foster service‘s provider/trustees, board members or management committee members: a. receive written reports on the management, outcomes and financial state of the fostering service every 3 months; b. monitor the management and outcomes of the services in order to satisfy themselves that the service is effective and is achieving good outcomes for children; c. satisfy themselves that the provider is complying with the conditions of registration. The registered person takes action to address any issues of concern that they identify or which are raised with them. Staff, volunteers and foster carers have a copy of: a. the policies and working practices in respect of grievances and disciplinary matters; b. details of the services offered; c. the equal opportunities policy; d. health and safety procedures. The registered person has provided the service with a written policy and procedural guidelines on considering and responding to

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Recommendations

representations and complaints in accordance with legal requirements and relevant statutory guidance. (NMS 25.1,25.25.3,25.4,25.5,25.7,25.8,25.9,25.10,25.11)

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Recommendations

 26: Records. The fostering service has and implements a written policy that clarifies the purpose, format and content of information to be kept on the fostering service‘s files, on the child‘s files and on case files relating to foster carers. Staff, volunteers, panel members and fostering households understand the nature of records maintained and follow the service‘s policy for the keeping and retention of files, managing confidential information and access to files (including files removed from the premises). There is a system in place to monitor the quality and adequacy of record keeping and take action when needed. Entries in records, decisions and reasons for them, are legible, clearly expressed, non-stigmatising, distinguish between fact, opinion and third party information and are signed and dated. Information about the child is recorded clearly and in a way which will be helpful to the child when

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Recommendations

they access their files now or in the future. Children are actively encouraged to read their files, other than necessarily confidential or third party information, and to correct errors and add personal statements. (NMS 26.1,26.2,26.5,26.6)

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Recommendations

 27: Fitness of premises for use. There are efficient and robust administrative systems, including IT and communication systems. Premises have: a. facilities for the secure retention of records; b. appropriate measures to safeguard IT systems; and c. an appropriate security system. (NMS 27.1)

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Recommendations

 31 Placement plan and review.1) the fostering service supports foster carers to play an active role in agreeing the contents of each child‘s placement plan, in conjunction with the responsible authority. The foster carer is given a copy of the child‘s placement plan as soon as this is provided to them by the responsible authority. If provision of the care plan by the responsible authority is delayed, the fostering service follows this up with the responsible authority. The foster carer is supported to contribute effectively to the review of their care plan, which includes the placement plan. The foster carer is Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 14 supported to assist the child to put forward their views, wishes and feelings as part of each review process, and the fostering service helps to ensure that these are fully taken into account by the child‘s responsible authority. Foster

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Recommendations

carers are supported to explain the child‘s care plan, and any changes to those plans, to the child. The fostering service contacts the responsible authority to request statutory reviews or visits if these are overdue for any child, or if a review has not already been arranged by the responsible authority and a change in the care plan is needed, there has been a significant change in arrangements for the child‘s care or a major action (e.g. a change of placement) which is not in the care plan appears likely. (NMS 31.1,31.2,31.3,31.4,31.5,31.6). Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 15

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inadequate

Children‘s experiences are not enhanced by the support and supervision that the agency provides to its staff. A foster carer described the training they had received as of ‗very poor quality‘. Social work activity and support are restricted to regular supervisory visits to the foster carers, including unannounced visits, to offer practical advice with little therapeutic support. Assessments of foster carers take too long. Foster carers are not offered support groups and the service provided out of hours is minimal. Overall, the contribution that the agency makes to ensuring that children have positive experiences and that they make progress is insufficient. However, foster carers provide good care to children, whose placements are generally settled.

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inadequate

Managers cannot be sure whether children‘s needs are met. The agency‘s files do not contain enough of the necessary information about children, and staff cannot locate important documents such as care plans or permission for foster carers to have delegated authority. Placement plans, foster carer agreements and safer caring contracts are of poor quality. One child was believed to have been placed in a long- term placement in line with his permanency plans, but it transpired that the foster carer‘s terms of approval are only short term.

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inadequate

Children do not have the opportunity to get involved in forums such as support groups and recruitment as these forums are not set up. Panel minutes do not provide evidence that children‘s views are sought at all reviews. Therefore, children cannot influence decision-making. Children have not made any complaints. They have few opportunities to make complaints or express their views.

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inadequate

Children‘s day-to-day experiences are positive. A social worker described a foster carer as ‗brilliant‘. Foster carers report that children make progress emotionally and benefit from the care they receive. One foster carer said that she is very pleased with the progress the child she cares for has made. She said, ‗At school, he is more focused, his table manners have improved and his birth family have noticed during contact how he shares, which he couldn‘t do before.‘ All of the children who are looked after by foster carers go to school and none have gone missing. They are supported to see their family by their foster carers. Several children enjoy attending clubs and some children receive therapy. Some foster carers have found the agency and supervising social workers to be very supportive and helpful. The agency has, although not in recent times, organised fun events for children to attend every three

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate

Ofsted has not received safeguarding notifications of incidents of a serious nature as required by the Fostering Regulations 2011 despite repeated requests to the previous responsible individual. This means that inspectors have not been able to monitor the agency effectively in between carrying out inspections. Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 16 Staff do not have a clear understanding of the number of allegations that children have made and whether they have been dealt with appropriately. An allegation was dealt with incorrectly by the local authority and this was not challenged until the new manager came into post on 31 October 2017.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate

Agency records hold risk assessments that are out of date, common to all carers and incomplete. The risk assessments ask foster carers to use techniques that they have not been trained to use. One foster carer, who has fostered since July 2017, has received no induction, training or appraisal.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate

Some foster carers who look after children with complex needs have not been effectively trained and supported to help them manage aggressive behaviour safely. Foster carers have restrained children without receiving effective training and guidance in physical intervention and how to avoid incidents occurring.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate

Foster carers were given advice by the agency supervising social worker which conflicted with all other professionals involved. Professionals are of the opinion that this advice was detrimental to the child and had a negative effect on their safety, stability and behaviour. The new manager has since taken over supervisory responsibility and in the short time since this has happened, incidents have reduced.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate

Not all necessary policy and procedures are in place, such as a whistle-blowing policy. Those procedures relating to missing children and child protection contain out-of-date legislation. Children have not gone missing since October 2016 but for those who went missing before this time, records do not state whether they had independent return home interviews. The agency‘s missing policy is not agreed with the local police.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate

Recruitment records are incomplete and the new manager has not yet been able to confirm whether all those working for the agency have had safer recruitment checks. The new manager is dealing with this as an urgent priority.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

On 31 October 2017, Ofsted received notification from the previous responsible individual/owner that she had resigned from her post and that the agency had been taken over by a new company as of 20 October 2017. Prior to this, from December 2016, the agency had operated without a registered manager or any social work qualified manager. The previous responsible individual monitored the agency infrequently and from afar. The previous responsible individual, in the absence of any other manager, failed to put in place effective management systems to review children‘s safety, progress and experience.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

The new owner appointed a responsible individual on 24 October 2017 and a social work qualified manager on 31 October 2017. The responsible individual has provided Ofsted with confirmation of her qualifications, experience and skills. The new manager plans to submit an application for registration as a matter of urgency. Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 17 The previous responsible individual did not inform staff until after she had sold the company, nor had she communicated with children or foster carers prior to or since leaving. Children‘s needs have not been prioritised as there has been no handover or passing on of information to the new manager. Information is not stored centrally and some information is missing and in some cases the language used in records is too casual. A complaint made to the previous responsible individual was not dealt with or passed on.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

The previous responsible individual failed to implement systems to identify any delay or concern about children‘s care planning. The agency‘s two qualified social workers had not received any supervision, appraisal or effective induction until the new manager started running the agency on 31 October 2017. Performance management issues had not been recognised or dealt with. As a result, the supervision that social workers have provided to foster carers has not helped them to fulfil their roles.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

The fostering panel has been held without the necessary professional membership to be quorate. Therefore, its decision-making and quality assurance functions have been compromised as they do not represent the view of the majority of the panel. The panel chairs and panel members have not received induction, training and appraisals. The agency decision-maker is externally employed, contrary to the national minimum standards for fostering agencies. However, the agency decision- maker has demonstrated some challenge to recommendations made by the fostering panel and has identified areas for improvement. Panel minutes are not accurate as the administrator has not had the appropriate training to assist them to understand the important points. Foster carers‘ and social workers‘ experiences of panel meetings are variable: some describe it as a positive process, and others as a negative process. Children have not attended panel.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

The agency does not have an up-to-date statement of purpose and children‘s guide. The previous responsible individual had not sent any quality assurance review reports to Ofsted, as required by regulations. There are no complaints procedures.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

The current premises for the agency, which is not the registered address, are not suitable. The new owner has identified suitable premises for the agency, with a move planned within two weeks of the inspection.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the differences made to the lives of children and young people. They watched how professional staff work with children and young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care provided. Wherever possible, they talked to children and young people and their families. In addition, the inspectors have tried to understand what the independent fostering agency knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people whom it is trying to help, protect and look after.

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Information about this inspection

Using the ‗Social care common inspection framework‘, this inspection was carried out Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 18 under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 and the national minimum standards. Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 19

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider: Channel Fostercare Limited

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider address: 23 Church Street, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 3AG

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Independent fostering agency details

Email address: angie@fosteringtogether.com

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Inspectors

Sarah Canto, social care inspector Steve Lowe, social care inspector Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Channel Fostercare Ltd 20 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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children‘s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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