CMB Adoption Support Services

Inspection report for adoption support agency: CMB Adoption Support Services 1 CMB Adoption Support Services 19 Frog Lane, Titchfield, Fareham PO14 4DU Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this adoption support agency

CMB Adoption Support Services was established under a new individual registration with Ofsted in April 2023. The provider offers birth records counselling and intermediary services to adults. The service is operated and delivered by a single individual. This is the provider’s first inspection under the new registration.

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Information about this adoption support agency

At the time of this inspection, the provider was working with 26 adopted adults or adult birth family members affected by adoption. Over the past 12 months, the provider has worked with 49 adults affected by adoption via intermediary and counselling for access to birth records.

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outstanding

How well children, young people and adults are helped and protected outstanding

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outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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outstanding

The adoption support agency provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the adoption support agency contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for service users.

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outstanding

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for adoption support agency: CMB Adoption Support Services 2

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Overall experiences and progress of service users: outstanding

The quality of individualised supported offered to adult service users by this provider is outstanding. All feedback from service users and professionals is exceedingly positive. One service user said, ‘The service has been phenomenal. I cannot compliment, praise or speak more highly of how [the provider] has looked after us and managed a very delicate and emotional process. She is full of wisdom and patience.’ Service users make exceptional progress from their starting points using this service.

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Overall experiences and progress of service users: outstanding

The quality of relationships with service users is excellent. Service users trust the provider’s expert abilities and are reassured by her transparent and empathetic approach. They say that they choose to use this provider over other options. All service users spoken to would highly recommend this provider to others who need an adoption intermediary service. More than one service user said the service provided has been positively ‘life changing’.

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Overall experiences and progress of service users: outstanding

Expectations of the service are sensitively managed by the highly skilled provider. Her knowledge around intermediary regulations, policies and theoretical practice is embedded throughout her work. She routinely refers service users and professionals to the relevant information to underpin work being undertaken. She also uses this knowledge when proactively advocating on behalf of service users. This is especially evident with those who may have a priority need due to their additional needs.

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Overall experiences and progress of service users: outstanding

Service users know that they can come back to the provider at any stage if needed. The provider is very attentive and quick to respond. All work undertaken is thorough, timely and recorded to the highest quality. When there have been any delays, these have been beyond the provider’s control. A quick response and effective listening by the provider have been identified as key strengths. One service user said it is ‘such a strength of the service that they are there for you, and really there for you. I don’t know if I would have had that anywhere else to be honest. She has made this process - everything from start to finish - just fabulous.’

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Overall experiences and progress of service users: outstanding

Feedback is always requested when a piece of work closes. Service users say that their feedback is listened to. The provider follows up with a more detailed discussion if necessary; this feeds into ongoing practice. Service users who use this adoption support agency feel listened to and treated with dignity and respect. One service user said, ‘My view from day one is that the service has been flawless.’

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outstanding

Safeguarding practice is a priority for this provider. It is well understood in the context of working solely with adults. There have been no concerns regarding the provider’s safeguarding practice. Inspection report for adoption support agency: CMB Adoption Support Services 3 Despite no safeguarding concerns, the provider is very well versed in the procedures to follow should issues arise. She is knowledgeable and well informed on statutory guidance and responsibilities. A robust safeguarding policy is in place.

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outstanding

The provider consistently shows due diligence in relation to the safety and well- being of the service user. She has gone above and beyond to support service users going through this complex process. She has offered to speak to other professionals and has offered personal touches to further support service users. She regularly checks in with service users and ensures that their wishes and feelings are respected. Service users said that they have not felt pressured in this process and that they have been well supported. One service user said, ‘She made it very easy in what could have been tough mentally for me.’

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outstanding

The necessary identity checks are undertaken by the provider. No intermediary work is undertaken until the provider has verified the necessary documentation. The provider is also up to date with her own required checks and professional subscriptions.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The provider’s leadership and management are outstanding. The provider is thorough, reflective and a passionate expert in her field. The service offered to support adult service users affected by adoption is of the highest quality.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The provider has regular high-quality reflective supervision with a suitably qualified professional. Areas of training and development are routinely covered. Reflective practice and the application of research and methodology to practice are well documented.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The provider’s oversight and day-to-day management of the service are outstanding. As she is the sole provider, when referrals are received, she is the first point of contact. She consistently responds swiftly and sensitively to requests for support. The information provided is detailed, informative and clearly shows her expertise in the field of intermediary work.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The provider maintains excellent professional relationships across all aspects of intermediary work. All professional feedback is extraordinarily positive. Professionals hold the provider in the highest esteem and value her expertise. Professionals actively refer intermediary work to the provider. One professional said, ‘It’s very hard to put in a few short sentences the many qualities that make CMB Adoption Support Services a unique and very special adoption support agency which I hope will continue for many years to come.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The provider promotes inclusive practice. Service users from diverse backgrounds speak positively about her sensitivity and inclusive practice. This puts them at ease further in building a positive working relationship. Feedback included, ‘CMB provide a Inspection report for adoption support agency: CMB Adoption Support Services 4 gender-friendly, non-discriminatory service to clients from a range of communities and backgrounds without discrimination.’

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, young people and adults, using the social care common inspection framework.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under The Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the adoption support agency, how it meets the core functions as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with The Adoption Support Agencies (England) and Adoption Agencies (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2005 and the national minimum standards. Inspection report for adoption support agency: CMB Adoption Support Services 5

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Adoption support agency details

Registered provider: CMB Adoption Support Services

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Adoption support agency details

Registered provider address: 19 Frog Lane, Titchfield, Fareham PO14 4DU

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Inspector

Skye Frain, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for adoption support agency: CMB Adoption Support 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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