Setting

X10029.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 FOSTERING SERVICE

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RG12 1JD

Lead Inspector Maire Atherton Announced Inspection 28 th , 29 th September, 2 nd & 3 rd October 2006 09:45 Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

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RG12 1JD

• Put the people who use social care first • Improve services and stamp out bad practice • Be an expert voice on social care • Practise what we preach in our own organisation

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Reader Information Document Purpose Inspection Report Author CSCI Audience General Public Further copies from 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Internet address www.csci.org.uk Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Fostering Services. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online

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RG12 1JD

Every Child Matters, outlined the government’s vision for children’s services and formed the basis of the Children Act 2004. It provides a framework for inspection so that children’s services should be judged on their contribution to the outcomes considered essential to wellbeing in childhood and later life. Those outcomes are: • Being healthy • Staying safe • Enjoying and achieving • Making a contribution; and • Achieving economic wellbeing.

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In response, the Commission for Social Care Inspection has re-ordered the national minimum standards for children’s services under the five outcomes, for reporting purposes. A further section has been created under ‘Management’ to cover those issues that will potentially impact on all the outcomes above.

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Copies of Every Child Matters and The Children Act 2004 are available from The Stationery Office as above This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4

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Name of service

Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services

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Name of service

Address Education, Children's Services and Libraries Depar Time Square Market Street Bracknell RG12 1JD Telephone number 01344 351582

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Name of service

Email address ecsl@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

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Name of service

Provider Web address www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk

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manager (if applicable)

Type of registration Local Auth Fostering Service Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5

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Conditions of registration:

Date of last inspection 15th November 2005

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Brief Description of the Service:

‘The Fostering Service within Bracknell Forest Borough Council is provided by the Family Placement Team. The team is part of Children’s Social Care Branch and sits within the Education, Children’s Services and Libraries.’

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Brief Description of the Service:

‘The Fostering Service is an integral part of the Borough’s Children’s Social Care Service sharing the same senior management structure.’

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Brief Description of the Service:

‘The team operates generically, delivering not only the Fostering Service but also adoption, community child-minding and placement finding services.’

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Brief Description of the Service:

Services provided in respect of foster care include:

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Brief Description of the Service:

‘A general fostering scheme, providing planned and emergency foster care for individual children and sibling groups aged 0-18 years, in short term, long term and relief care placements.

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Brief Description of the Service:

A specialist family based day/overnight respite care scheme to support children and young people with disabilities and their families.’

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Brief Description of the Service:

(Excerpts from the latest Statement of Purpose held by the Commission, dated August 2005) Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6

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SUMMARY

This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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SUMMARY

This inspection took place over four days.

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SUMMARY

Before the inspection questionnaires were sent to all the children fostered who were over 7 years old, their foster carers and the placing social workers. No questionnaires were received from children; 12 foster carers (34%) and 8 placing officers (47%) returned questionnaires. It has not been possible to determine how many, if any, young people received the questionnaires. The manager of the service also returned the pre-inspection information requested.

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SUMMARY

The fostering service inspector went to:

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SUMMARY

• A foster carers support group • A support group for children who foster • A fostering team meeting

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SUMMARY

• Two foster carers and the children placed with them in their homes. • A recently approved foster carer. • The link workers and placing social workers of the children case tracked. • The link worker for the short break scheme. • The children’s participation officer. • The line managers of the service. • The education co-ordinator. • The Director of the Department, as the Chair of the Local Children’s Safeguarding Board. • The manager of the over 11’s team. • The independent reviewing officer.

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SUMMARY

A sample of records was also inspected. The foster carers’ and children’s records are held electronically.

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What the service does well:

There is a lot of training available for both for foster carers and staff of the fostering service.

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What the service does well:

The children and young people the inspector met were comfortable and relaxed with their foster carers.

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What the service does well:

There are lots of ways in which children and young people can be involved in decision making with the support of the Children’s Participation Officer. There is good communication between the social workers of the fostering service and the children’s social workers. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 The staff are very supportive of each other.

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What the service does well:

Staff said that the borough was a good employer with flexible working practices and a good training programme.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Children and young people are placed with children who are approved to care for them.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

New forms have been developed to help young people, their social workers and their foster carers agree what should happen in the placement.

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What they could do better:

The fostering service should ensure that all foster carers receive support in accordance with their foster carer's agreements, including circumstances in which they are on hold.

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What they could do better:

Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8

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CONTENTS

Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9

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The intended outcome for this Standard is:

• The fostering service promotes the health and development of children.(NMS 12)

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The Commission considers Standard 12 the key standard to be

inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at the outcome for Standard:

There are clear management systems in place to ensure that the health and well being of children and young people is promoted.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at the outcome for Standard:

This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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EVIDENCE:

Foster carers said, in conversation and in questionnaires, that they had received full information about the health and developmental needs of the children and young people placed in their care. The health record kept by one foster carer about one child was detailed. The foster carer had a copy of the “red book,” and also recorded in a booklet called “Information on me!” which had been given to foster carers. The manager of the fostering service told the inspector that link workers for the carer monitor this booklet. The children’s health records were seen to be up to date on the electronic records seen.

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EVIDENCE:

The Independent Reviewing Officer follows up the health of children and young people at each statutory review. Where health issues are not being addressed, the Independent Reviewing Officer informs the Head of Service. In addition the Manager (through the Annual Quality Assessment, completed as part of the pre-inspection information) said that “A Health of Looked after Children Group” had been established. The focus is on ensuring that health assessments are undertaken within timescales and to unblock any difficulties that might exist. Initial Looked after Children health assessments are carried out at a dedicated clinic staffed by health professionals specialising in children’s health. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 As far as possible and where appropriate, children and young people placed by the fostering service remain with their GP and other health care professionals

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EVIDENCE:

A foster carer providing respite care said that they did not get a copy of signed parental consent to medical treatment in the event of an accident, or to administer medication. Other foster carers said that this was included in the Looked after Children documentation that they received from the placing social workers.

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EVIDENCE:

The training programme for foster carers includes health and hygiene and first aid. Foster carers spoken with confirmed that they had attended this training. In the past twelve months medication training has been included in the foster carers’ training programme.

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EVIDENCE:

In both cases tracked there was evidence from carers and placing social workers that the weight and height of the child and young person were more in proportion than they had been at the start of the placement. This was as a result of increased activity levels and a healthy eating approach. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• Any persons carrying on or managing the service are suitable. (NMS 3) • The fostering service provides suitable foster carers.(NMS 6) • The service matches children to carers appropriately.(NMS 8) • The fostering service protects each child or young person from abuse and neglect.(NMS 9) • The people who work in or for the fostering service are suitable to work with children and young people.(NMS 15) • Fostering panels are organised efficiently and effectively.(NMS 30)

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The Commission considers Standards 3, 6, 8, 9, 15 and 30 the key

standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following Standard(s):

There are developing systems in place to promote and safeguard the welfare of the children young people placed.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following Standard(s):

This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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EVIDENCE:

The Commission does not register Local Authority fostering services. There has been no change in the senior management of the fostering service since the last inspection.

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EVIDENCE:

The inspector visited children and young people in two foster placements. The homes were clean, warm and comfortable and provided the children and young people with accommodation that reflected their needs and interests.

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EVIDENCE:

The foster placement agreement has been updated and includes a health and safety review of accommodation to ensure that it is suited to the needs of the child to be placed. This health and safety review also forms part of the foster carers annual review. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 There was evidence that foster carers had been contacted to inform them of the recent change in the law, in respect of appropriate restraints for transporting children.

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EVIDENCE:

A major concern expressed by the majority of placing social workers was the lack of choice in making placements. It was reported that this resulted in some placements being made that were either not good, or poor matches with a subsequent breakdown. In order to try and address this matching criterion is included in the foster placement agreement to identify any additional support needs. Both the child and young person tracked were in well-matched placements, one was short term leading up to adoption the other was a long- term match. This was also evidenced in the matching criteria that had been well completed by the link worker for the foster carers. The Best Interests of the young person had also been considered at the fostering panel where long term fostering was the decision.

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EVIDENCE:

In one case seen there was a new format foster placement agreement in place. These are not in place for all children and are being done on an incremental basis.

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EVIDENCE:

One child tracked moved from one foster carer’s home to another. The records and discussion with a carer indicated that there had been a clear, although short, introductory process for the child.

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EVIDENCE:

The fostering service is aware of the deficit in the provision of foster carers from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, and this was highlighted in the pre-inspection information supplied by the manager. Agency placements have been sought where necessary to ensure that children’s cultural needs are appropriately met.

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EVIDENCE:

The training programme for foster carers includes child protection, allegations, managing challenging behaviour and safe caring. The pre-inspection information states that child protection training is a strength of the service “..with all staff and carers able to access multi-agency training via a tiered training programme which is increasingly flexible”. One foster carer expressed the view that one child protection course did not seem relevant to carers as the focus was on the legislative framework. Other child protection courses were felt to be more beneficial.

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EVIDENCE:

There are safer caring guidelines in place. These are included in the foster placement agreement for each young person. One placing social worker said she was not aware of these guidelines.

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EVIDENCE:

The foster carer's agreement includes the detail of non-permissible forms of punishment. All foster carers sign this agreement when approved. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 The Dataset for the year April 2005 to March 2006 showed that there were no allegations made about foster carers and there were 2 child protection enquiries concerning children placed with the service. At the time of this visit the inspector was made aware of one allegation against carers, which was subject to an ongoing child protection investigation. The new electronic records system is being used to monitor allegations.

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EVIDENCE:

The foster carers who responded to the questionnaires on information received about a child prior to placement were evenly spread across the range: excellent (25%), good (25%), adequate (16%) and poor (33%). Foster carers receiving emergency and respite placements had least information according to the questionnaires.

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EVIDENCE:

The manager informed the inspector that the Local Children’s Safeguarding Board has agreed a new policy on children missing from home.

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EVIDENCE:

The Local Children’s Safeguarding Board was established in April 2006. One of the Local Children’s Safeguarding Board’s main tasks is to raise public awareness of the need to safeguard and young people. Pan Berkshire child protection procedures were launched on 1 st October 2006. The new procedures have been issued following the publication of new national guidance from the Central Government in “Working Together to Safeguard Children, April 2006”.

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EVIDENCE:

A new assistant team manager was appointed in June 2006. The process as outlined by the post holder and seen in the personnel file was thorough and encompassed several elements. This included an interview with young people, supported by the children’s participation officer. The views of the young people had been taken into account in the appointment. Following the last inspection the personnel files have been reviewed to ensure that all the records required by the regulation are in place, this includes telephone calls to referees. The criminal records bureau checks show that a check against the POVA list had not been requested.

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EVIDENCE:

Since the last inspection, further training on Form F assessment was provided for the fostering service team and two other experienced social workers from other teams. Berkshire Advisory Service provided this training. At the time of this visit eight form F assessments were being undertaken, all by qualified, experienced social workers.

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EVIDENCE:

There is now guidance in place for occasions when panel members are not in agreement, as required in the last report. The panel chair resigned just before this inspection. A new panel chair has been appointed and will observe the November panel before taking the Chair in December. There has also been a review of the panel composition. The panel meeting minutes showed that the panel has not achieved quoracy in accordance with the regulations. This is in part due to the fact that the panel membership is constrained by the regulations, as it is a joint panel between three agencies. Each agency has to Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 appoint a social worker to the panel and they all have to be present to achieve quoracy. The minutes show that this has not been achieved.

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EVIDENCE:

The panel members’ checks are held by a partner agency and will be inspected as part of that agency’s inspection.

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EVIDENCE:

In the pre-inspection information the manager outlined the plan to develop a quality assurance process for panel reports.

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EVIDENCE:

There was one instance where there was a discrepancy between the panel’s recommendation and the recommendation signed by the agency decision maker. This discrepancy was caused by an administrative error and was not reflected in the information given to the foster carers, which correctly reflected the panel’s recommendation. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• The fostering service values diversity.(NMS 7) • The fostering service promotes educational achievement.(NMS 13) • When foster care is provided as a short-term break for a child, the arrangements recognise that the parents remain the main carers for the child.(NMS 31)

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The Commission considers Standards 7, 13, and 31 the key standards

to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

There are developing systems in place to ensure that foster carers are supported to enable Looked after Children to reach their potential.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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EVIDENCE:

In the pre-inspection information the manager reported that a significant increase in the minority ethnic population had been identified in the January 2006 school census. 46 languages are recognised in the Borough. Training is provided for carers in ‘Race and Cultural Awareness’. The manager had attended this training and reported that she had found it practical, useful and thought provoking. Of the five foster carers who responded to the question about how well issues of equality and diversity were addressed by the fostering service two said they were good, two adequate and one inadequate. The other seven respondents said these issue had not arisen for them. One foster carer was very pleased with the information she had been provided with, to enable the young people she cared for to access a range of community facilities. The leisure card is proving more difficult to arrange than envisaged and remains a

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EVIDENCE:

work in progress. In the meantime foster carers were told that they could claim additional expenses for trips to leisure centres during the school holidays on the production of receipts. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 The Independent Reviewing Officer told the inspector that a specific monitoring form is completed by a placing social worker as part of the review process. This provides a formal means of monitoring that the cultural/ethnic needs of the young people are being met. The inspector did not see this on this occasion.

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EVIDENCE:

The Assistant Director Children’s Social Care informed the inspector that they were aware of the need to address the challenge of a growing black and ethnic minority population in the Borough, and were working on targeting these communities for the recruitment of foster carers. In the meantime two specific examples were given of young people placed with independent fostering providers to meet their long-term needs in culturally appropriate placements.

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EVIDENCE:

There is a clear emphasis on supporting and encouraging young people to achieve their potential. The inspector met with the Education Co-ordinator for Looked after Children. He has been in post for three and a half years. An Education Support Officer has recently been appointed to provide support within schools, and direct support to Looked after Children excluded from school and a clear example was given of how this is working in practice. Both are qualified teachers. The education co-ordinator has built up a relationship with foster carers during his time in post and can provide them with direction to address education issues. Training is provided for foster carers about education, including admission procedures, exclusions, and key stages for example. A foster carer showed the inspector an education booklet provided by the fostering service, which contains a great deal of useful and relevant

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EVIDENCE:

information. The Education Co-ordinator also has good links with the schools, and he and the education support officer are involved in the Personal Education Plans for Looked after Children, including those placed out of borough. It is hoped that the department will be selected to be a pilot for the development of web-based programme to promote and enable learning on-line.

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EVIDENCE:

The Director of Children’s Services, Education and Libraries told the inspector that there is a management group with a focus on Looked after Children. This group meets regularly to discuss the progress of Looked after Children. There is an acknowledgement that educational achievement is not the sole criteria for the measure of success, and activities and enjoyment are included as part of the criteria. A Looked after Children conference was held in July 2006 called “Children in Public Care Really Matter”. Information on this was published in the “Unofficial Voice”, a magazine by and for Looked after Children, co- ordinated by the Participation Development Officer. This also provides young people with contact numbers to enable them to share their views, comments and concerns.

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EVIDENCE:

The manager identified the provision of computers for Looked after Children as a strength of the service. This has been audited and the findings are to provide the basis for a revised strategy. Foster carers had mixed views on how Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 well the fostering service supported them in helping children achieve academically. Three said the support was good, four adequate and one poor. Short break carers did not see this as relevant to their role. Exclusions and young people refusing to go to school put a significant strain on the placement. It is hoped that the direct intervention of the Education Support Officer will improve the outcomes.

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EVIDENCE:

At the time of the last inspection there had been a recent appointment to the post of short break/respite worker. The existing carers had been taken through the whole form F assessment process to meet the current standards and regulations. One new carer had recently been approved, three assessments were ongoing and two were due to attend a preparation group in November 2006. In addition four other currently registered foster carers were planning to offer short breaks in accordance with updated assessments. This is a significant growth in this area. One respite carer had not seen a foster placement agreement and was not sure that they were used with short break care. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• The fostering service promotes contact arrangements for the child or young person. (NMS 10) • The fostering service promotes consultation.(NMS 11)

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The Commission considers Standards 10 and 11 the key standards to

be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

There are systems in place to enable children and young people to make a positive contribution.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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EVIDENCE:

Placing social workers and foster carers were generally in agreement that the children’s and young people’s networks with family were either excellent or good, with one described as adequate. Foster carers spoken with had a good understanding of the need to promote and support contact in accordance with the child’s plan. This was working well in the cases tracked. In one instance the foster carers took an active part in ensuring that contact took place regularly. In another where the plan was adoption, the decreasing contact arrangements were well managed and placing social worker commented on the positive relationship that had been maintained by the foster carers with the child’s birth mother.

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EVIDENCE:

The inspector saw the child and young people case tracked being offered choices by their foster carers. These choices were about what they wanted to eat and the activities they wanted to do. The responses from placing social workers in questionnaires about the involvement of children and young people in day-to-day decision-making, were spread across the range from excellent (3) to inadequate (2) with 4 responses in between. Responses from foster Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 carers were predominantly good (3) and adequate (7), with one poor and one excellent. In the absence of any replies from young people it is not possible to comment on their experience of this.

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EVIDENCE:

The inspector spoke with the Independent Reviewing Officer and the Children’s Participation Officer. Both were very clear that the views of the children and young people were central to their roles. The Independent Reviewing Officer is encouraging young people to chair their own reviews and has developed a strategy to support young people to achieve this. The Children’s Participation Officer has established a number of groups aimed at ensuring that the young people and children have opportunities to express their views and contribute meaningfully. These are well described in the magazines published by the young people. The roles of the Independent Reviewing Officer and the Children’s Participation Officer focus on Looked after Children, not just those in foster care. It is not clear if there is a formal feedback system to ensure that the views of fostered children are reported to the fostering service to enable

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EVIDENCE:

The written views of children and young people who are fostered are sought formally as part of the annual foster carers’ review.

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EVIDENCE:

There is information for children on how to complain (or comment) in the young people’s guide. There is also information from the Children’s Participation Officer and in the newsletter about how and who to contact, this includes a text messaging facility to the Customer Response Officer. The statement of purpose shows that for the year September 2005 to August 2006 there were no formal complaints made. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• The fostering service prepares young people for adulthood.(NMS 14) • The fostering service pays carers an allowance and agreed expenses as specified.(NMS 29)

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Foster carers are paid the allowances promptly.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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EVIDENCE:

There is a clear system for making payments to carers. Carers reported that this system worked well and that the correct payments were received promptly. Where a mistake had been made this had been acknowledged and agreement reached on how the mistake would be put right. A clear statement on expenses and clothing allowances is now available, as requested by foster carers. Foster carers also said that there was a clear system for claiming additional expenses and these were also paid promptly. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and the fostering service ensures that they meet those aims and objectives.(NMS 1) • The fostering service is managed by those with the appropriate skills and experience. (NMS 2) • The fostering service is monitored and controlled as specified. (NMS 4) • The fostering service is managed effectively and efficiently.(NMS 5) • Staff are organised and managed effectively.(NMS 16) • The fostering service has an adequate number of sufficiently experienced and qualified staff.(NMS 17) • The fostering service is a fair and competent employer.(NMS 18) • There is a good quality training programme. (NMS 19) • All staff are properly accountable and supported.(NMS 20) • The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers.(NMS 21) • Foster carers are provided with supervision and support.(NMS 22) • Foster carers are appropriately trained.(NMS 23)

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The intended outcomes for these Standards are:

• Case records for children are comprehensive.(NMS 24) • The administrative records are maintained as required.(NMS 25) • The premises used as offices by the fostering service are suitable for the purpose.(NMS 26) • The fostering service is financially viable. (NMS 27) • The fostering service has robust financial processes. (NMS 28) • Local Authority fostering services recognise the contribution made by family and friends as carers.(NMS 32)

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The Commission considers Standards 17, 21, 24 and 32 the key

standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The management of the team has significantly improved the quality of the fostering service over the past nine months. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22

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EVIDENCE:

The statement of purpose is reviewed annually and is approved by the elected members. The current statement of purpose was reviewed in September 2006 and is published on the Borough’s website. The children’s guide is in the process of being updated. A draft copy is being sent to the Children's Participation Officer so that Looked after Children can give their views and ensure the guide is child friendly.

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EVIDENCE:

The manager has obtained a management qualification since the last inspection, and the recently appointed assistant team manager is due to start a management qualifying course.

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EVIDENCE:

Since the last inspection management developments have focussed on strategic and policy and procedural development.

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EVIDENCE:

There is a clear management structure in place. Since the last inspection the manager has undertaken a review of the workload of the team. This has involved a bench marking exercise with other local authority fostering teams. As a result of this review an additional post of senior practitioner has been gained and lead roles for experienced workers had been established. Staff had responded positively to these developments. Two locum workers had been appointed to cover staffing vacancies.

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EVIDENCE:

The assistant team manager has been given a liaison role with independent fostering agencies. Information from this role would be used to inform the out of borough placement review panel that meets regularly to monitor the progress of young people in these placements.

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EVIDENCE:

As at the last inspection foster carers were very positive about the level and quality of the training provided by the fostering service. One foster carer shared her training portfolio with the inspector. This showed that a range of courses had been undertaken in the year since approval. A foster carer in full time employment would find it difficult to attend training as most courses take place on weekdays during school hours. Foster carers with children not in school also have difficulty in attending.

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EVIDENCE:

The placing social workers and the fostering service social workers all reported very good working relationships with each other. The fact that they share office space is a significant contributory factor.

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EVIDENCE:

At the time of the last inspection an appointment had been made to the post of Recruitment and Publicity officer. The post holder was developing a strategy for recruitment in consultation with the short break/respite worker. This had proved successful and a smoother process for potential carers had been established. One new carer outlined that the process of becoming a foster Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 carer from the initial enquiry to the approval and reported that it had been conducted in a timely and professional way. She had valued the process and felt that she had been well prepared for the task ahead. The Form F was thorough and properly addressed the issues outlined in the standard.

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EVIDENCE:

The manager informed the inspector that a corporate initiative relating to the recruitment and retention of social workers was being developed. At the time of this visit the Human Resources department were interviewing workers to find out what would encourage them to stay.

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EVIDENCE:

Information from foster carers reflected a similar picture to last year in that they, both in questionnaires and in conversation, gave very mixed responses in their views of the support provided by the fostering service. There was an increase to just fewer than 50% reporting good support, with 25% reporting support was adequate and 25% that it was poor. Foster carers on hold reported widely different experiences of the support levels received, as did carers with children being placed for adoption. Social workers for the service were not aware of this discrepancy. The foster carers’ agreements seen did not specify the amount of support to be given; this should be reviewed to ensure that a consistent approach is adopted towards carers.

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EVIDENCE:

The inspector attended the foster carers support group. The number attending the group has decreased significantly. This was in part attributed to a change in the organisation of the group, where the lead is now taken by the fostering service. The terms of reference for the group are to be written and the group re-launched.

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EVIDENCE:

There has been a significant improvement in the achievement of foster carers’ reviews annually. A new format for the recording of annual reviews has been developed. This includes several formats for children’s views, according to the age of the child in placement. There is a plan that independent reviews will be undertaken every three years. There were two independent reviews scheduled during this inspection. Otherwise they will be chaired by a social worker from the fostering service who is not the link worker for the foster carers.

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EVIDENCE:

The support group for children who foster has been restarted and the inspector attended this. The Children’s Participation Officer runs it and there are plans to advertise the group further to attract more members.

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EVIDENCE:

Records for both children and foster carers are now held electronically. The system is secure and the inspector was enabled to access these records during the course of the inspection.

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EVIDENCE:

The complaints record held by the manager did not hold a full record of the response and outcomes. This information was held elsewhere in the department. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services have been met and uses the following scale.

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

4 Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

BEING HEALTHY ACHIEVING ECONOMIC Standard No Score WELLBEING 12 2 Standard No Score 14 X STAYING SAFE 29 3 Standard No Score 3 3 MANAGEMENT 6 3 Standard No Score 8 3 1 3 9 3 2 3 15 2 4 X 30 2 5 X 16 2 ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING 17 3 Standard No Score 18 X 7 3 19 X 13 3 20 X 31 2 21 2 22 X MAKING A POSITIVE 23 X CONTRIBUTION 24 3 Standard No Score 25 2 10 3 26 X 11 3 27 X 28 X 32 X Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection?

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Fostering Services Regulations 2002 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 1. FS15 20(3)(d) Schedule1 The criminal records bureau check is to request information relating to the POVA list in addition to the POCA list. 31/10/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

2. FS30 25(3) The panel is to achieve quoracy in accordance with the regulation. 31/10/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

3. FS31 34(3) Foster placement agreements are to be used for all placements including short break care. 30/11/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

4. FS21 28(5)(b) Schedule 5 (2) The foster carers’ agreements are to specify the amount of support to be given. 30/11/06

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

5. FS25 42(1) Schedule7 (3) The complaints record held by the manager needs to include the response and outcomes. 15/12/06 Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26

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RECOMMENDATIONS

These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations

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RECOMMENDATIONS

1. FS12 Foster carers providing short break care should be provided with written consent for emergency medical treatment and administration of medication.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

2. FS16 Training opportunities should be provided outside usual working hours. Bracknell Forest Borough Council Fostering Services DS0000043051.V303871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Berkshire Office 2nd Floor 1015 Arlington Business Park Theale, Berks RG7 4SA

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI

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