Aim High Fostering Services

Inspection report for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: Aim High Fostering Services 1 Aim High Fostering Services M25 Business Centre Ltd, 121 Brooker Road, Waltham Abbey EN9 1JH

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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 registered with Ofsted on 7 October 2016. The current manager was registered with Ofsted on 10 July 2023. At the time of this inspection, the agency had 14 foster carers and 18 children living in foster homes.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

The inspector was aware during this visit that an allegation has been made that a serious incident occurred since the last inspection which is under investigation by the appropriate authorities. While Ofsted does not have the power to investigate incidents of this kind, actions taken by the setting in response to the incident were considered alongside other evidence available at the time of the inspection to inform the inspector’s judgements.

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Inspection date: 27 February 2024

Date of previous inspection: 14 February 2022

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This monitoring visit

This visit was undertaken to address specific concerns received by Ofsted.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers are working with the appropriate agencies regarding the concerns that led to this monitoring visit. They are appropriately concerned and have already taken swift action to address the shortfalls identified.

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This monitoring visit

Risk assessments of household members have not been carried out following concerns. Known risks have not been thoroughly assessed and there have not been appropriate plans in place. Furthermore, children’s safer care plans are not always effective. They do not take into account children’s known behaviours or the impact of changes in the household.

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This monitoring visit

The agency has not ensured that foster carers formally notify the agency when other adults move into the home. This prevents a full review of the fostering household. Inspection report for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: Aim High Fostering Services 2 Allegations are not always managed appropriately. For example, on one occasion, a child reported a concern to an independent reviewing officer. This information was not shared with the agency until several months later, and it was not treated as an allegation or complaint. Furthermore, this incident had not been reported to the local authority designated officer or to Ofsted. Leaders and managers rectified this during this monitoring visit. However, there has been a significant delay which has potentially prevented the child from receiving support.

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This monitoring visit

The agency does not consistently offer support or provide training to household members. This means that other adults who play a significant role in children’s lives do not always have the appropriate training or skills to support them.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have implemented an immediate action plan to address the shortfalls identified at this monitoring visit. Three requirements have been raised and one recommendation. Recommendations from the previous inspection were not reviewed at this visit and are restated. Inspection report for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: Aim High Fostering Services 3

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 and the national minimum standards. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

If any of the events listed in column 1 of the table in Schedule 7 takes place in relation to a fostering agency, the registered person must without delay notify the persons or bodies indicated in respect of the event in column 2 of the table.

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Requirement Due date

Any notification made in accordance with this regulation which is given orally must be confirmed in writing. (Regulation 36 (1) (2))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, leaders and managers must ensure that they notify the local authority designated officer and Ofsted of significant events without delay. 29 March 2024

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Requirement Due date

The registered person in respect of an independent fostering agency must ensure that—

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Requirement Due date

the welfare of children placed or to be placed with foster parents is safeguarded and promoted at all times. (Regulation 11 (a))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, leaders and managers must ensure that known risks are assessed and that there are appropriate plans in place. This includes appropriately assessing members of the fostering household. 29 March 2024

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Requirement Due date

If a fostering service provider decide to approve X as a foster parent they must—

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Requirement Due date

enter into a written agreement with X covering the matters specified in Schedule 5 (the “foster care agreement”). (Regulation 27 (5)(b))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, in line with schedule 5, foster carers must give written notice to the fostering service provider without delay, with full particulars, of any change in the composition of the household. 29 March 2024 Inspection report for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: Aim High Fostering Services 4

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that the wishes, feelings and views of children and those significant to them are taken into account in monitoring foster carers and developing the fostering service. Specifically, that children receive a consistent level of visits by the fostering agency social workers. (‘Fostering services: national minimum standards’, 1.7)  The registered provider should ensure that suitable arrangements exist for professional supervision of the agency’s registered person or manager of a local authority fostering service. Specifically, that both the registered manager and the responsible individual receive consistent supervision. (‘Fostering services: national minimum standards’, 24.3)  The registered person should ensure that the fostering service has a clear statement of purpose which is available to, and understood by, foster carers, staff and children and is reflected in any policies, procedures and guidance.

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Recommendations

Specifically, that all services stated in the statement of purpose are available. (‘Fostering services: national minimum standards’, 16.1)  The registered person should ensure there is a system in place to notify, within 24 hours, persons and appropriate authorities of the occurrence of significant events in accordance with regulation 36. The system includes what to do when a notifiable event arises at the weekend. Specifically, ensure that the instigation and outcome of any child protection enquiry involving a child placed with foster parents is notified. (‘Fostering services: national minimum standards’, 29.1 and schedule 7)  The registered person should ensure that appropriate training on safer caring is provided for all members of the foster household, including young people of sufficient age and understanding, and ensures that foster carers understand how safer caring principles should be applied in a way which meets the needs of

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Recommendations

individual children. (‘Fostering services: national minimum standards’, 20.9)

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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 agencies - monitoring: Aim High Fostering Services 5

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider: Aim High Fostering Services Ltd

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider address: Biz Space, 121 Brooker Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1JH

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered manager: Grace Provencal-Wise

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Inspector

Leanne Grant, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: Aim High Fostering Services 6 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

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