Birmingham Children's Trust Fostering Agency

Inspection report for independent fostering agencies – monitoring: Birmingham Children’s Trust Fostering Agency 1 Birmingham Children’s Trust Fostering Agency

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this independent fostering agency

The agency was registered on 19 March 2018. The agency was formerly part of Birmingham City Council and since April 2018 has been part of Birmingham Children’s Trust.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

The agency offers short- and long-term mainstream placements as well as connected carer placements. A small number of foster carers provide emergency duty team placements. Children are supported by early permanency planning through fostering to adopt. In addition, children move from residential care into ‘step-up’ enhanced foster care.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

There are 584 approved fostering households.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

There are 799 children placed with the agency.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

A permanent registered manager was registered by Ofsted on 8 July 2021.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

Date of previous inspection: 16 August 2021

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit took place after the registered manager notified Ofsted of the unexpected death of a child who was in hospital receiving planned treatment.

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This monitoring visit

The purpose of the visit was to be assured about how managers have responded at this difficult time, including the arrangements for the support of the foster carers and linked staff within the agency. Inspection report for independent fostering agencies – monitoring: Birmingham Children’s Trust Fostering Agency 2 The agency has responded with care and sensitivity in ensuring that those affected by the tragic circumstances have received support.

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This monitoring visit

This visit found discreet and sensitive oversight by managers, who have ensured access to well-being support for the foster carers and staff that is focused on their emotional well-being.

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This monitoring visit

As a supportive measure, staff from the agency have visited and been in regular contact with the foster carers. Supervision sessions are planned with the foster carers and will explore their support needs and their future plans for fostering. Bereavement counselling is being arranged for all those affected.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager already has plans for a reflective piece of work to be undertaken. The timing for this is yet to be confirmed. This review will seek to explore any broader learning that may not be evident at this time.

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This monitoring visit

The requirements and recommendations made at the last full inspection were not considered during this visit and will be considered at the next full inspection. Inspection report for independent fostering agencies – monitoring: Birmingham Children’s Trust Fostering Agency 3

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to be assured about actions taken following the unexpected death of a child who was in hospital under going planned treatment .

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for independent fostering agencies – monitoring: Birmingham Children’s Trust Fostering Agency 4

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider: Birmingham Children’s Trust Community Interest Company

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider address: 1 Avenue Road, Aston, Birmingham B6 4DU

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Inspector

Dawn Bennett, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for independent fostering agencies – monitoring: Birmingham Children’s Trust Fostering Agency 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted Inspection report for independent fostering agencies – monitoring: Birmingham Children’s Trust Fostering Agency 6

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