Foster Care Associates South Western

Inspection report for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: Foster Care Associates South Western Foster Care Associates South Western

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Unit 1, Delamore Park, Cornwood, Ivybridge PL21 9QP

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this independent fostering agency

As of 31 March 2023, the agency had 127 children living in placements across the south-western part of the country. Its office is in Ivybridge, near Plymouth. The agency was judged as good overall in July 2023.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

The manager registered with Ofsted in January 2021.

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This monitoring visit

This visit was carried out in response to concerns raised from notifiable events which the agency shared with Ofsted as part of regulation.

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This monitoring visit

The assessment of a carer was explored due to possible concerns about the decision-making process for approval. The registered manager and other senior leaders had already carried out an internal quality assurance process which identified some learning for the agency. During this visit, further learning was raised along with the need for known risks to be fully considered. For example, a great deal of information is based on the proposed carer’s self-reporting, and there is a lack of in- depth analysis and triangulation of known concerns. Safer care planning for this household also lacked full exploration of known risks and how to manage these. The carer has since resigned and the child in their care has been moved to another home.

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This monitoring visit

A carer’s capacity to meet a child’s complex needs was also explored. The carer told the inspector that they feel supported by the agency and trained to meet the needs of the child in their care. The agency is proactively working with this carer and other agencies to manage the dynamic risks associated with this child’s behaviours. No significant concerns were identified regarding this placement. It is of note that the Inspection report for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: Foster Care Associates South Western agency has carried out an internal review of this placement and has identified learning which includes the need to strengthen the matching process. Inspection report for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: Foster Care Associates South Western

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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 with the given timescales.

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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, assessments of proposed carers must be robust, drawing on different sources of information to triangulate and explore any known concerns. Safer care plans must be used as tools to manage any known risks effectively. 13 March 2025

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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: Foster Care Associates South Western

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider: Foster Care Associates Limited

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider address: Malvern View, Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4AD

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Independent fostering agency details

Email address: Naomi.Pollard@thefca.co.uk

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Inspector

Polly Soper, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: Foster Care Associates South Western 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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