Setting

Commission for Social Care Inspection

Launched in April 2004, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is the single inspectorate for social care in England.

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

The Commission combines the work formerly done by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI), the SSI/Audit Commission Joint Review Team and the National Care Standards Commission.

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The role of CSCI is to:

• Promote improvement in social care • Inspect all social care - for adults and children - in the public, private and voluntary sectors • Publish annual reports to Parliament on the performance of social care and on the state of the social care market • Inspect and assess ‘Value for Money’ of council social services • Hold performance statistics on social care • Publish the ‘star ratings’ for council social services • Register and inspect services against national standards • Host the Children’s Rights Director role.

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Inspection Methods & Findings

SECTION B of this report summarises key findings and evidence from this inspection. The following 4-point scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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The 4-point scale ranges from:

4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls) 'O' or blank in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. '9' in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not applicable. 'X' is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 1

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Name of Authority

Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team

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Date of last inspection

Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 2 Date of Inspection Visit 9th March 2004 ID Code

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inspections and bring a different

perspective to the inspection process. Name of Specialist (e.g.

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the time of inspection

Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 3

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D.3. Provider’s agreement

Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 4

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

Independent and local authority fostering services which fall within the jurisdiction of the National Care Standards Commission (NCSC) are subject to inspection, to establish if the service is meeting the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services and the requirements of the Care Standards Act 2000, the Fostering Services Regulations 2002 and the Children Act 1989 as amended.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

This document summarises the inspection findings of the NCSC in respect of Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team. The inspection findings relate to the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services published by the Secretary of State under sections 23 and 49 of the Care Standards Act 2000, for independent and local authority fostering services respectively.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

The Fostering Services Regulations 2002 are secondary legislation, with which a service provider must comply. Service providers are expected to comply fully with the National Minimum Standards. The National Minimum standards will form the basis for judgements by the NCSC in relation to independent fostering agencies regarding registration, the imposition and variation of registration conditions and any enforcement action, and in relation to local authority fostering services regarding notices to the local authority and reports to the Secretary of State under section 47 of the Care Standards Act 2000. The report follows the format of the National Minimum Standards and the numbering shown in the report corresponds to that of the standards.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

The report will show the following: • Inspection methods used • Key findings and evidence • Overall ratings in relation to the standards • Compliance with the Regulations • Notifications to the Local Authority and Reports to the Secretary of State • Required actions on the part of the provider • Recommended good practice • Summary of the findings • Report of the Lay Assessor (where relevant) • Providers response and proposed action plan to address findings

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INSPECTION VISITS

Inspections will be undertaken in line with the agreed regulatory framework with additional visits as required. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Care Standards Act 2000. The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report. The report represents the inspector's findings from the evidence found at the specified inspection dates. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED. Reading Borough Council fostering service provides substitute family care to meet the needs of Reading children and young people who are looked after by the authority on either a short term/temporary or longer term/permanent basis. The service also supports children who continue to live within their family of origin by providing regular periods of family based care. The service recruits, trains and supervises a range of foster carers to meet the needs of

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INSPECTION VISITS

these children and young people. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 6

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Inspector’s Summary

(This is an overview of the inspector’s findings, which includes good practice, quality issues, areas to be addressed or developed and any other concerns.) The overall findings of the inspection were that the fostering service was largely both regulation and standard compliant.

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Inspector’s Summary

The staff group continue to be very committed to meeting the needs of children and young people and to helping carers develop the skills and knowledge required for the tasks they undertake.

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Inspector’s Summary

Carers interviewed and surveyed during the inspection process clearly valued the work undertaken by the fostering service staff and felt supported by them.

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Inspector’s Summary

The inspector was pleased to see that the children’s guide has now been produced in a format appropriate for children and young people and that most other recommendations from the previous inspection have been followed.

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Inspector’s Summary

The service recognises the value of kinship care and has created a new post to give specialised support to this group.

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Inspector’s Summary

The service has a well-established foster panel with excellent procedures and policies in place.

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Inspector’s Summary

This efficiently managed service which now has an increased staffing establishment is well placed to meet the demands it faces over the next 12 months. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 7

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

The following statutory Reports or Notifications are to be made under the Care Standards Act as a result of the findings of this inspection:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(3) of the Care Standards Act 2000 that the Commission considers the Local Authority's fostering service satisfies the regulatory requirements:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

YES Notice to the Local Authority under section 47(5) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of failure(s) to satisfy regulatory requirements in their fostering service which are not substantial, and specifying the action the Commission considers the Authority should take to remedy the failure(s), informing the Secretary of State of that Notice: NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(4)(a) of the Care Standards Act of a failure by a Local Authority fostering service to satisfy regulatory requirements which is not considered substantial:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(1) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of substantial failure to satisfy regulatory requirements by a Local Authority fostering service:

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The grounds for the above Report or Notice are:

Those statutory requirements that appear on page 11 of this report. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 8

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Implementation of Statutory Requirements from Last Inspection

Requirements from last Inspection visit fully actioned? YES

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Identified below are areas not addressed from the last inspection report which indicate a non-compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000 and Fostering Services Regulations 2002. No. Regulation Standard Required actions Timescale for action

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Action is being taken by the National Care Standards Commission to monitor

compliance with the above requirements. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 9

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registration are listed below, with the inspector's assessment of compliance from

the evidence at the time of this inspection.

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Date 14/03/04

Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 10

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFIED DURING THIS INSPECTION

Action Plan: The appropriate Officer of the Local Authority or the Registered Person (as applicable) is requested to provide the Commission with an Action Plan, which indicates how requirements and recommendations are to be addressed. This action plan will be made available on request to the Area Office.

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which indicate non- compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000, the Children Act 1989, the Fostering Services Regulations 2002, or the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services. The Authority or Registered Person(s) is/are required to comply within the given time scales in order to comply with the Regulatory Requirements for fostering services. No. Regulation Standard * Requirement Timescale for action 34(3)

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

FS13 Foster Placement Agreement to be brought in line with regulation 1/09/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

2 37(3) Visits to be made to any child in foster placement in accordance with this regulation 1/03/05

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which relate to the National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice issues which should be considered for implementation by the Authority or Registered Person(s). No. Refer to Standard * Recommendation Action

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

1 FS9 Instances of children in foster care who are bullied to be recorded

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

2 FS15 Telephone enquiries made of referees to be recorded on personnel file

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

3 FS18 Whistle blowing policy to be distributed to all foster carers

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

4 FS20 Supervision files are established for sessional staff

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

5 FS22 All foster carers receive a foster carer handbook

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

Unannounced visits should be clearly identifiable in the carer record Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 11 6 FS23 Both adults in two carer households to complete core training

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

* Note: You may refer to the relevant standard in the remainder of the report by omitting the 2-letter prefix e.g FS10 refers to Standard 10.

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report Number of Inspector days spent 3.5

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Survey of placing authorities YES Foster carer survey YES Foster children survey YES Checks with other organisations and Individuals YES • Directors of Social services NO • Child protection officer YES • Specialist advisor (s) YES • Local Foster Care Association YES Tracking Individual welfare arrangements YES • Interview with children YES • Interview with foster carers YES • Interview with agency staff YES • Contact with parents NO • Contact with supervising social workers NO • Examination of files YES Individual interview with manager YES Information from provider NO Individual interviews with key staff YES Group discussion with staff YES Interview with panel chair YES Observation of foster carer training NO Observation of foster panel YES Inspection of policy/practice documents YES Inspection of records YES Interview with individual child YES

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Date of Inspection 9/03/04 Time of Inspection 09.30 Duration Of Inspection (hrs) 27 Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 12 The following pages summarise the key findings and evidence from this inspection, together with the NCSC assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards have been met. The following scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

The scale ranges from: 4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls)

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

"0" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. "9" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not applicable. “X” is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 13

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

• There is clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and the fostering service ensures that they meet those aims and objectives.

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There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and of

what facilities and services they provide. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Reading fostering service has a comprehensive Statement of Purpose which sets out very clearly the aims and objectives of the service along with the facilities and services provided.

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There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and of

The service has adopted the recently published BAAF Children’s Guide to fostering and devised an excellent short leaflet to accompany this. Unfortunately none of the children and young people or foster carers interviewed could recall seeing these. The service manager said that it had been distributed - it is recommended that a system is established for recording documents that carers and children have received. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 14

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• The fostering service is provided and managed by those with the appropriate

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work efficiently and effectively and have the necessary knowledge and experience of

childcare and fostering to do so in a professional manner. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The pre-inspection questionnaire, self assessment document, inspection of personnel records, meeting with the staff team, meetings with foster carers and the interviews with the service manager and a deputising manager indicated that this standard continues to be met.

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work efficiently and effectively and have the necessary knowledge and experience of

One deputising manager has received appropriate management training and the second is preparing for this.

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Any persons carrying on or managing the fostering service are suitable people to run

a business concerned with safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Personnel records inspected indicated that references and checks are being taken up in accordance with regulation and standards. The recruitment policy has been revised to include CRB checks.

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Any persons carrying on or managing the fostering service are suitable people to run

A monitoring system has been established to ensure the Service Manager has sight of CRB checks (formerly only seen by Human Resources Department).

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Any persons carrying on or managing the fostering service are suitable people to run

The Manager was advised that CRB checks need to stay on file until seen by inspectors.

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Any persons carrying on or managing the fostering service are suitable people to run

This standard is met. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 15

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• The fostering service is managed ethically and efficiently, delivering a good quality foster care service and avoiding confusion and conflicts of role.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

fostering service and ensuring quality performance. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The fostering service has in place procedures and policies governing this area. These included:

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

Staff supervision File monitoring Allowance Schedule Fostering Procedures

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

Implementation was seen in a sample of staff supervision files, carer files and through interviews with staff and foster carers.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

Number of statutory notifications made to NCSC in last 12 months: 0

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

Death of a child placed with foster parents. 0

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Referral to Secretary of State of a person working for the service as

unsuitable to work with children. Serious illness or accident of a child. 0 Outbreak of serious infectious disease at a foster home. 0 Actual or suspected involvement of a child in prostitution. 0

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Serious incident relating to a foster child involving calling the police to a

foster home. Serious complaint about a foster parent. 0 Initiation of child protection enquiry involving a child. 0

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Serious incident relating to a foster child involving calling the police to a

Number of complaints made to NCSC about the agency in the past 12 months: 0 Number of the above complaints which were substantiated: 0 Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 16

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

The fostering service is managed effectively and efficiently. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The pre-inspection questionnaire, self assessment document, inspection of personnel records, job description, meeting with the staff team, meetings with foster carers and the interviews with the service manager and a deputising manager indicated that this standard continues to be met. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 17

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The fostering service promotes and safeguards the child/young person's physical, mental and emotional welfare.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

nurturing environment. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The fostering service ensures that Health and Safety issues are addressed with carers in their initial training and then followed through in the assessment and post approval – evidenced in preparation group programme/reports, carer files, foster carer handbook and inspection visits to foster carers. These homes appeared to be safe environments for the children and young people placed.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

The service has also produced a clear and informative safe care guidance policy for staff, highlighting areas on which carers will need advice and guidance.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

The service has developed a very helpful risk assessment form to be completed before a child or young person is placed with a foster carer.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

The service has now purchased for all carers the Fostering Network Carer handbook which is regulation compliant and addresses this standard.

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The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

provided with foster care services which value diversity and promote equality. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The Local Authority has an equal opportunities policy and promotes anti-discriminatory practice – there is compulsory training for staff on this.

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The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

The Foster Carer preparation training programme also addresses these issues.

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The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

In discussion with the staff team they acknowledged that resources continue to be limited for making appropriate matches for all the immediate/short term placements they were asked to make. The fostering service runs a respite care scheme for children and young people with a learning and/or physical disability. The scheme manager has revised the documentation to take particular account of the needs of children with disabilities and their families.

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The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

The service facilitates fostered children and their foster families to take up leisure activities by their Passport to Leisure scheme.

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The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

This standard is met. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 18

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carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

authority is seeking a carer. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The staff team acknowledged a continuing difficulty identifying appropriate matches for children and young people when making short-term placements. Although there are vacancies with carers at present, these do not necessarily match the complex needs of the children and young people requiring placements, many of whom are 12+. In some cases agency placements are made and the authority employs a placement officer to assist with this. It was evident that the service ensures that appropriate checks are made of agencies. Where trans-racial or trans-community placements were made, the fostering service did provide additional support and there were some good examples of this. The service has a resource bank for staff and carers and good use is made of the internet for information. However there have been particular problems when placing Eastern European young people

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carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

– they and their carers need access to interpreters and often these are not readily available.

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carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

Carers of children with disabilities will in future be able to access an IT library to assist with communication, games etc

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carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

Staff felt that for short-term placements the service frequently received insufficient information and this was reflected in interviews with carers.

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carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

Foster placement agreements were not always evident on the carers file but could be seen on the children’s file. These took the form of LAC placement Plan part 1 and 2 which are not compliant with the Fostering Services Regulations. The fostering service is advised to provide an agreement form that meets the requirements of Schedule 6 of the Regulations.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

neglect, exploitation and deprivation. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The fostering service has comprehensive Child Protection Procedures. There are specific procedures relating to foster carers and the fostering service has developed a Safe Caring Policy which has now been issued to carers.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

These issues are also addressed in the preparation programme for prospective carers and within the foster carer’s handbook a section advises on the protection of children.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

Child protection is now part of the post approval core training which has been developed for carers.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

Within the Foster Care Agreement a section states that corporal punishment is not acceptable. This message is further reinforced in the foster carer’s handbook. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 19 The fostering service has policies covering bullying and unauthorised absences which have been updated and distributed.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

The service was not able to supply information about foster children and bullying. This needs to be addressed.

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encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

her/his care plan and/or foster placement agreement. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The service has a written policy on the promotion and management of contact between children and their families/friends.

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encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

There was evidence from meetings with the staff team, foster carers and children that contact continues to be promoted by the fostering service.

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encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

There was clearly a presumption that contact is in the children’s interests but also an understanding that a risk assessment should be undertaken before contact takes place.

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encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

A number of carers had concerns about the management of contact in that some children were being exposed to many different contact supervisors during a series of contacts. These were frequently agency staff. The need for consistency should be addressed by the service.

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others significant to the child, are sought over all issues that are likely to affect their

daily life and their future. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The service provides training for carers on communicating with children generally. In addition carers are offered training in communicating with children who have learning disabilities.

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others significant to the child, are sought over all issues that are likely to affect their

There was clear evidence that children attend LAC Reviews and that from the interviews with children and young people some felt they were listened to.

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others significant to the child, are sought over all issues that are likely to affect their

There is an established Children’s Rights officer who makes contact with all looked after children. In addition the booklet received by children and young people in foster care contains information about how to contact the CRO and how to make a complaint. There is an independent visitors scheme and mentoring scheme for children.

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others significant to the child, are sought over all issues that are likely to affect their

The panel Chair person has carried out user surveys which are used to inform practice. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 20 To facilitate communication the service uses Viewpoint to obtain young service users’ views.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

in decisions about her/his health needs. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 A health advisor attached to the multi-agency support team visits every foster carer and can be contacted by them at any time. Some carers raised concerns about not being able to access very quickly dental treatment for children. This needs to be investigated by the service.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

The service now has a formal process for initial health assessments of children and young people and a joint agreement with Health and Education concerning information sharing.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

There is a good link between the local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service and foster carers/fostered children.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

The medical advisor had some concerns about health assessments not always being done when a child or young person is being presented to the Fostering Panel for suitability for long term fostering.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

LAC documentation seen indicated that foster carers had copies of a child or young person’s health record.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

Health and safety is now part of the core training for all foster carers.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

Overall this standard is met. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 21

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child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

her/his full potential. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Foster carers’ responsibilities are clearly set out in the Foster care Agreement.

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child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

The service continues to have access to an Education Advisor who supports Foster carers with education matters or identifies provision where there are problems. Carers reported that they had found the service very helpful.

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child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

Some foster carers were concerned about transport safety when children attend school at a distance from the foster home. Escorts were not always provided and taxi drivers changed frequently. This needs to be looked at by the service.

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child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

Children who have been excluded from school are usually placed with fee paid carers who are expected to look after them during school hours. Other carers will be provided with day care.

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child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

The educational attainments of looked after children and young people are monitored by the Multi agency Support Team Board meeting.

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The fostering service ensures that their foster care services help to develop skills,

competence and knowledge necessary for adult living. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The service manager informed the inspector that the Leaving care team continue to play a key role in this. Each young person is allocated a Leaving care Advisor who works with the carer preparing the young person for independence. Carers attend training jointly with the Leaving care Team.

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The fostering service ensures that their foster care services help to develop skills,

This standard is met. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 22

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The people who work in or for the fostering service are suitable to work with

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number of staff and carers and their range of qualifications and experience are

sufficient to achieve the purposes and functions of the organisation.

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Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

children and young people and to safeguard and promote their welfare. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The meeting with the staff team, research of a sample of personnel files, pre-inspection questionnaire, written policies/procedures and meeting with the fostering service manager indicated that this standard was met.

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Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

The service needs to ensure that there is telephone follow up of written references and that this is recorded on the personnel file.

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Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

An unqualified but experienced worker is undertaking link work with foster carers. However she was closely supervised by an assistant team manager and case records were countersigned.

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Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

foster care service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Overall this standard continues to be met. The staff team considered themselves to be well supported by people who provided formal as well as informal supervision. The fostering service was able to provide a supervision policy.

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Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

The staff team indicated that they had regular team meetings which provide for group supervision, training, information exchange on developments in the service and carers.

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Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

The service has just introduced a work load management scheme which should evidence overload where it occurs and offer some protection to staff and consequently children and carers. It is already evident that the fostering assistant team manager is overloaded and that the increase in the staffing establishment is likely to exacerbate this. The service needs to look at this area. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 23

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qualified staff and recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young

people for whom it aims to provide a service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Since the previous inspection 2FTE social work posts have been added to the team and there has been some increase in administrative hours but staff continued to feel that more of the latter were needed.

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qualified staff and recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young

The service has again put considerable effort into planning a recruitment programme for the year which has utilised information about patterns and trends in demand for services.

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qualified staff and recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young

As indicated above there more carers who are able to look after older children and young people with complex needs are required. Also the service wished to place fewer young people in agency foster care. With these factors in mind the service has put in a second bid for the Foster Care Treatment Programme

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The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

practices and good support for its staff and carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The carers have access to the Berkshire out of hours service and there continues to be support available via the Reading Carer Link scheme – a rota of experienced carers operates until 11 pm seven days a week.

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The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

It was evident from files and speaking to carers that they have regular supervision.

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The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

The service’s new guidance on health and safety has been given to carers.

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The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

The service has only recently drawn up a whistle blowing policy for carers and children which should now be distributed. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 24

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There is a good quality training programme to enhance individual skills and to keep

staff up-to-date with professional and legal developments. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Training is widely available within the authority and fostering staff also have access to external specialist courses. Opportunities for joint training with carers exist. Staff are kept up to date with professional developments through the use of team meetings.

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There is a good quality training programme to enhance individual skills and to keep

Policy documents and supervision files indicate that training for individual staff is under regular review.

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Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

All staff are properly accountable and supported. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 From the interview with the fostering service manager and the meeting with the staff team it was evident that the staff team were well supported and supervised. Supervision files confirmed that supervision is on a regular basis.

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Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

It was evident from supervision notes extracts appearing on individual carer files that sessional staff are being supervised but it is recommended that supervision files are set up for these staff.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Overall this standard is met. The foster carers interviewed and those responding to the survey indicated that they were well supported by the fostering service but some felt dissatisfied with support from the children’s workers.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

There is a long term carers’ support group facilitated by an external trainer/consultant and highly valued by those who attend. There are also occasional coffee mornings for carers run by the service.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

The majority of annual reviews are now taking place as required but some are overdue. The service manager informed the inspector that she and her assistant team managers are monitoring reviews through supervision and file monitoring. It is also planned to revise the review process and format. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 25

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The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

and helps them to develop their skills. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The majority of the foster carers interviewed and surveyed indicated that they were well supported by the fostering service.

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The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

The service supports a local support group run by carers for carers. This group issues a regular newsletter and operates an out of hours support service.

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The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

The Foster Care Agreement has now been revised in line with the regulations and standards but some carer files did not contain a copy. It appeared that this was because they had not been returned by the carers in question – this needs to be followed up

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The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

Not all carers appear to have received the new handbook along with policies and procedures specific to the Reading fostering service. It is recommended that a system is established whereby carers sign for written information and that their supervising social workers induct them into any new polices etc that they have received, recording this in the supervision record. Family Link carers do not yet have a handbook but the inspector was informed that this is in hand.

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The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

Regular supervision of carers is now taking place and carers are receiving copies of their supervision record. This needs to be extended to those carers on the Family Link scheme who look after children overnight. Also the service needs to ensure that some visits are made when the child is in the Family Link Placement.

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The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

There was some evidence of unannounced visits to foster homes but in many of the files seen this could not be found. It is recommended that there is a requirement for these visits to be recorded on the annual review form.

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provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

their care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The fostering service continues to provide pre-approval training for all foster carers with the exception of kinship carers. Experienced carers are involved in this training.

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provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

Post approval there is a wide range of training available to foster carers within the authority and it is now required that carers attend 4 training events each year but the Fostering Assistant Team Manager indicated that usually only one person in a two carer household will attend.

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provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

A core training programme has been developed and the authority is advised to require both carers to attend where two adults in one household are approved as joint carers. (even if the second carer waits for the rolling programme to come round again) Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 26

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• All appropriate records are kept and are accessible in relation to the fostering services and the individual foster carers and foster children.

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maintained for each child or young person in foster care which details the nature and

quality of care provided and contributes to an understanding of her/his life events.

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Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

anyone involved in her/his care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The service has appropriate policies regarding the writing and storage of records.

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Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

The majority of foster carers interviewed and surveyed said that they had received sufficient information about the children placed with them.

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Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

Interviews with foster carers in their homes indicated that they had worked with children regarding issues to do with the children’s past.

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Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

The inspector noted the good practice of carers forwarding a monthly summary of their log on any child placed to the child’s worker.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

relevant to the running of the foster care service and as required by regulations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Overall this standard was met.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

It is recommended that allegations and complaints about carers are clearly recorded with the investigation and outcome on the carer’s file in a distinctly separate section. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 27 Number of current foster placements supported by the agency: 127 Number of placements made by the agency in the last 12 months: 63

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months:

Number of new foster carers approved during the last 12 months: 20 Number of foster carers who left the agency during the last 12 months: 5

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Maximum £

296.43 Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 28

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

• The premises used as offices by the fostering service are suitable for the purpose.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

Premises used as offices by the fostering service are appropriate for the purpose. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The team is in a purpose built open plan office with good secure record storage. This standard is met. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 29

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The agency fostering services are financially viable and appropriate and timely payments are made to foster carers.

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The agency ensures it is financially viable at all times and has sufficient financial

resources to fulfil its obligations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 9 N/A

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The financial processes/systems of the agency are properly operated and maintained

in accordance with sound and appropriate accounting standards and practice. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 9 N/A Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 30

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cost of caring for each child or young person placed with him or her. Payments are

made promptly and at the agreed time. Allowances and fees are reviewed annually. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 There is an allowance schedule supplied to foster carers which details the payment levels and how allowances are paid. This is given to all carers.

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cost of caring for each child or young person placed with him or her. Payments are

The service operates a specialist scheme with fee paid carers for hard to place children and young people.

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cost of caring for each child or young person placed with him or her. Payments are

The service pays all its carers above the Fostering Network recommended rates; there is a reward element in the scheme.

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cost of caring for each child or young person placed with him or her. Payments are

Carers seen by the inspector were very satisfied with the allowances.

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cost of caring for each child or young person placed with him or her. Payments are

This standard is met. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 31

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• Fostering panels are organised efficiently and effectively so as to ensure that

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Fostering panels have clear written policies and procedures, which are implemented

in practice, about the handling of their functions. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Written policies and procedures are in place. Panel minutes were seen, the Panel was observed by the inspector and the chairperson interviewed immediately afterwards.

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Fostering panels have clear written policies and procedures, which are implemented

The panel has only 8 members but its composition meets the regulatory requirements. As suggested at the last inspection it would be good practice to include a male.

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Fostering panels have clear written policies and procedures, which are implemented

It was evident that the panel took seriously its monitoring and quality assurance role. It is now receiving management information about supply and demand for placements. Overall this standard is met. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 32

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• When foster care is provided as a short-term break for a child, the arrangement recognises that the parents remain the main carers for the child.

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have policies and procedures, implemented in practice, to meet the particular needs

of children receiving short-term breaks. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Policies and procedures for the Family Link Scheme have been updated and developed. However the new Placement Agreement form does not entirely conform to Schedule 6 of the regulations.(See Standard 8)

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have policies and procedures, implemented in practice, to meet the particular needs

The Service uses a very helpful incremental approach to assessment of Family link carers based on the type of care they are offering.

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have policies and procedures, implemented in practice, to meet the particular needs

There was evidence that partnership between parents, carers and the Service is working well.

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have policies and procedures, implemented in practice, to meet the particular needs

This standard is met. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 33

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• Local authority fostering services' policies and procedures for assessing,

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there is recognition of the particular relationship and position of family and friend

carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The service recognises the value of kinship care and has created a post specifically to support these carers.

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there is recognition of the particular relationship and position of family and friend

Such carers are invited to all training events and the service now pays them at the same level as other carers.

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there is recognition of the particular relationship and position of family and friend

This standard is met. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 34

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Date

Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 35

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comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the report for

We would welcome comments on the content of this report relating to the Inspection conducted on <enter date(s) of inspection here> and any factual inaccuracies:

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comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the report for

Please limit your comments to one side of A4 if possible Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 36

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Action taken by the NCSC in response to the provider’s comments:

Amendments to the report were necessary NO

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Action taken by the NCSC in response to the provider’s comments:

Comments were received from the provider NO

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Action taken by the NCSC in response to the provider’s comments:

Provider comments/factual amendments were incorporated into the final inspection report NO

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Action taken by the NCSC in response to the provider’s comments:

NO Provider comments are available on file at the Area Office but have not been incorporated into the final inspection report. The inspector believes the report to be factually accurate

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Note:

In instances where there is a major difference of view between the Inspector and the Registered Provider responsible Local Authority fostering service Manager both views will be made available on request to the Area Office.

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report:

Action plan was received at the point of publication NO

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report:

Action plan covers all the statutory requirements in a timely fashion

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report:

Action plan did not cover all the statutory requirements and required further discussion

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report:

Provider has declined to provide an action plan

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Public reports

It should be noted that all NCSC inspection reports are public documents. Reports on children’s homes are only obtainable on personal application to NCSC offices. Reading Borough Council Fostering and Adoption Team Page 37

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Registered Person’s or responsible Local Authority Manager’s statement of

agreement/comments: Please complete the relevant section that applies.

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Date

Note: In instance where there is a profound difference of view between the Inspector and the Registered Provider both views will be reported. Please attach any extra pages, as applicable.

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