Five Rivers Fostering Service

Inspection report for independent fostering agency - monitoring: Five Rivers Fostering Service 1 Five Rivers Fostering Service

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Unit 3, London Road Office Park, London Road, Salisbury SP1 3HP

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this independent fostering agency

This independent fostering agency is one of five branches of a national not-for-profit agency. This branch, which covers the south of England, operates from its premises in Salisbury, Wiltshire. It offers a variety of placements, including parent and child, emergency, respite, long-term and short-term fostering placements.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

Date of previous inspection: 17 January 2022

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was conducted due to the unexpected death of a child who was living with a Five Rivers foster carer.

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This monitoring visit

This has been a very challenging and emotional time for those working in this agency and the family involved. The team has responded swiftly, sensitively and robustly to ensure that the family, including other children living in the home, are fully supported. There has been significant communication and liaison with external professionals to ensure that plans are clear and enacted effectively.

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This monitoring visit

The supervising social worker has exceptional knowledge of children’s needs and experiences. Safer Care plans are accompanied by additional risk assessments that assess the needs of the child and provide strategies for carers to respond effectively.

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This monitoring visit

Supervision of foster carers by the supervising social worker occurs regularly and is thorough. There is evidence of discussions taking place about children’s progress, well-being and health. Concerns about children are explored and there is follow up regarding outstanding actions or delays in service provision. The foster carer of the Inspection report for independent fostering agency - monitoring: Five Rivers Fostering Service 2 child who died was proactive in seeking medical advice and assistance for the child when appropriate.

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This monitoring visit

The agency does not have guidance in place for foster carers about when children can be left at home alone, particularly when a child is unwell.

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This monitoring visit

Children are visited at home and spoken with regularly. The children’s views about the care they receive are consistently sought and recorded. No concerns have been raised about the quality of care provided.

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This monitoring visit

Not all foster carers have renewed their first aid training.

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This monitoring visit

No concerns were identified during this inspection about the safety of children within this agency. Inspection report for independent fostering agency - monitoring: Five Rivers Fostering Service 3

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that support and training are made available to foster carers to assist them in meeting the needs of the children they are caring for. (Fostering Services: National Minimum Standards, page 14, paragraph 4.4, 4.5)  The registered person should provide guidance to foster carers regarding a proportionate and individual response to when children can be left at home alone, particularly when they are unwell. (Fostering Services: National Minimum Standards, page 41, paragraph 20.8)

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Information about this inspection

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

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for independent fostering agency - monitoring: Five Rivers Fostering Service 4

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider: Five Rivers Child Care Limited

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider address: Five Rivers Child Care, 47 Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT

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Inspector

Penelope Kutz, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for independent fostering agency - monitoring: Five Rivers Fostering Service 5 to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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