National Fostering Agency

Inspection report template for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: National Fostering Agency National Fostering Agency 1750 Solihull Parkway, Birmingham Business Park, Solihull, Birmingham B37 7YD

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Registered provider: The National Fostering Agency Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this independent fostering agency

A large national provider of children’s services operates this independent fostering agency, providing short- and long-term care. A suitably qualified and experienced manager leads the agency. The manager registered with Ofsted in January 2022.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

At the time of this inspection, the fostering agency was caring for 287 children with 201 registered fostering households.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

Date of previous inspection: 6 March 2023

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit took place following Ofsted being notified of a significant incident. 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 inspectors’ judgements.

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This monitoring visit

The agency responds quickly and appropriately following significant incidents. They liaise well with all necessary agencies to share information and to ensure that other professionals have the information they need to carry out their roles effectively.

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This monitoring visit

The agency ensures that foster carers’ and children’s views are shared and acted on. When needed, the agency advocates for, and challenges on behalf of, the foster carers and children affected by significant incidents to ensure that they receive the support they need, and to minimise the impact on them of the events that happen following significant incidents. Inspection report template for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: National Fostering Agency The agency works closely with children’s education establishments and placing authorities to ensure that children are provided with the right support for their emotional well-being. The agency ensures that any support is provided at the child’s pace and in line with their wishes.

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This monitoring visit

Following significant incidents, the agency increases the support they offer to the foster carers and children, including increased daily phone calls and visits. The agency also extends its therapeutic offer to other people who are closely linked to the foster carers affected by any significant incident. This helps those close to the foster carer to process what has happened so that they are better able to support the foster carer and the children in their care.

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This monitoring visit

The agency acts quickly to provide emotional and practical support to their staff. This provides the team and the allocated supervising social worker with the space to focus on supporting the foster carer and children. It also ensures that staff can access help for their own emotional well-being.

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This monitoring visit

Children develop new skills and increase their independence in line with their age and understanding. Foster carers help children to understand risks and how to keep themselves safe in the community.

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This monitoring visit

This visit did not consider the requirement and recommendations made at the previous visit and they are restated. Inspection report template for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: National Fostering Agency

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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, 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 fostering service provider must provide foster parents with such training, advice, information and support, including support outside office hours, as appears necessary in the interests of children placed with them. (Regulation 17 (1))

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Requirement Due date

This is in relation to ensuring that carers complete mandatory training courses within the prescribed timescales and that training is provided to carers to meet the children’s current needs. 1 May 2025

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that any areas of concern, or need for additional support, identified at annual reviews are addressed in a timely way. (‘Fostering services: national minimum standards’, 13.9)

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Recommendations

 The registered person should have a system in place to monitor record- keeping and take action when required. This specifically relates to ensuring that children’s records that are uploaded onto the electronic recording system are correct. (‘Fostering services: national minimum standards’, 26.2)

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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 template for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: National Fostering Agency

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider: The National Fostering Agency Ltd

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider address: Atria, Spa Road, Bolton BL1 4AG

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Inspector

Melissa McMillan, Social Care Inspector Inspection report template for independent fostering agencies - monitoring: National Fostering Agency 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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