Regional Fostering Services Ltd

Inspection report template for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: Regional Fostering Services Ltd 1 Regional Fostering Services Ltd

p.1

Regional Fostering Services Ltd, 8 Lyon Way, Greenford, London UB6 0BN Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this independent fostering agency

Regional Fostering Services Ltd is an independent fostering agency based in north- west London, which provides placements across London and the Midlands. The agency offers a wide range of placements, including short- and long-term, mother and child, respite, planned and emergency placements. The agency was registered in July 2014. At the time of this inspection, there were 48 approved households, 81 approved foster carers and 79 children in placement.

p.1

Information about this independent fostering agency

Date of previous inspection: 5 November 2018

p.1

This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was undertaken in response to a number of concerns shared with Ofsted. The concerns related to the agency’s treatment of foster carers, the number of children and young people placed with foster carers, and placement decisions made by the agency.

p.1

This monitoring visit

Some of the concerns relate to a situation whereby two of the agency’s current foster carers set up their own fostering agency, and several other foster carers have made plans to move from Regional Fostering Services to this new fostering agency. It is apparent that this situation has caused a level of acrimony between the agency and some of these foster carers.

p.1

This monitoring visit

This inspection focused on the quality of support, progress, experience and welfare of the children and young people in these foster placements.

p.1

This monitoring visit

The inspector spoke to the managers of the agency and placing social workers, and reviewed a number of the agency’s records.

p.1

This monitoring visit

The agency’s supervising social workers continue to provide good levels of support to children and foster carers. The agency’s staff are working effectively with placing authorities to ensure that the needs of children and young people remain at the Inspection report template for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: Regional Fostering Services Ltd 2 heart of decision-making. Placing social workers gave a consistent message that the children placed with the agency benefit from high-quality care and are making good progress. They feel that, despite the difficulties, both the agency staff and the foster carers continue to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

p.1

This monitoring visit

Placing social workers said that they are satisfied that children are appropriately placed and are receiving safe care. The agency prioritises the safety and well-being of children and young people. They notify Ofsted of any serious events and take appropriate action in partnership with their carers and the professional network to ensure safe care. Inspection report template for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: Regional Fostering Services Ltd 3

p.2

Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the independent fostering agency since its last Ofsted inspection.

p.3

Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

p.3

Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider: Regional Fostering Services Ltd

p.3

Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider address: 8 Lyon Way, Greenford, London UB6 0BN

p.3

Inspector

Lee Kirwin, social care inspector Inspection report template for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: Regional Fostering Services Ltd 4 to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.3

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.4

Inspector

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

p.4

Inspector

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

p.4