Compass Fostering West

Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Compass Fostering West 1 Compass Fostering West Compass Fostering West Limited Unit G1, New Venture House, Venture Business Park, Worcester WR2 4AY Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this independent fostering agency

Compass Fostering West provides short-term, long-term, respite, emergency, permanent, sibling groups and parent and child foster placements.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

At the time of this inspection, the agency supported 154 households caring for 207 children.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

There is no registered manager. A new manager started in June 2024; however, they left the agency in December 2024. A new manager was appointed in May 2025. The manager has applied to Ofsted to register.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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requires improvement to be good

How well children and young people are helped and protected requires improvement to be good

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requires improvement to be good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers requires improvement to be good

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requires improvement to be good

The independent fostering agency is not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people. However, there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or promoted.

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requires improvement to be good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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requires improvement to be good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Compass Fostering West 2

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improvement to be good

Since the last inspection, the agency has faced a period of uncertainty with its leadership and management arrangements. As a result, this has contributed to an overall judgement of requires improvement to be good. The shortfalls identified have not had a significant impact on the children’s care, safety and experiences.

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improvement to be good

Leaders and managers have not always ensured that careful and considered care planning arrangements are in place for children before moving to their foster carers’ homes. This has led to periods of instability for children and some children have experienced unplanned endings. In addition, foster carers’ skills and experiences are not considered before children move in, and the agency do not share practice concerns with placing social workers. This means that social workers are unable to make informed and safe decisions about where children live.

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improvement to be good

When children leave a foster placement unexpectedly, the agency does not consistently consider the impact on their emotional well-being. In one example, two children who had lived with their foster carers for several years left the placement with immediate effect. The agency did not provide sufficient support to help the children understand the reasons for the sudden move. Leaders and managers have acknowledged these shortfalls and are undertaking a reflective piece of work to improve processes that support children when moving on from a placement.

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improvement to be good

Overall, children’s health needs are understood by leaders and managers. Foster carers ensure that children attend all routine health appointments. At the time of the inspection, the agency was providing care for two children with life-limiting, complex health needs. The foster carers have a good understanding of the children’s complex health needs, and the children are thriving in their care, despite a lack of support from the agency.

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improvement to be good

In the main, foster carers have reported to feeling frustrated by the lack of support provided by the agency. As a result, this has led to several foster carers expressing a desire to leave the agency. Poor communication from the agency has led to some foster carers feeling isolated and bereft. Frequent changes in management and staffing have resulted in some foster carers experiencing periods of time without an allocated supervising social worker. This, at times, has been during vulnerable situations and when foster carers have welcomed children into their homes. Leaders and managers are taking action to improve the support provided to foster carers.

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improvement to be good

Most children live in stable homes and make good progress from their starting point. Several children have lived with their foster carers for over five years, which has provided them with a sense of permanency. In addition, the agency has supported foster carers to obtain special guardianship orders, which have further enhanced children’s sense of belonging and permanence. Children told inspectors that they feel part of their foster families and refer to their foster carers with terms of endearment. Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Compass Fostering West 3 A high proportion of children are receiving education in line with their needs. Children who are not in education have plans in place to ensure that they receive support. The agency has a dedicated team who provide advice, guidance and support to children to reach their educational targets. In addition, children over the age of 14 are provided with independence support to further aid their learning and

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improvement to be good

Children participate in extra-curricular activities, such as swimming, gymnastics and fishing, and several children are part of their local football teams. These activities help children to build positive memories. Children describe fun and joyful experiences of living with their foster families.

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improvement to be good

Foster carers and supervising social workers work well with children’s social workers to help children to keep in touch with birth family and those who are important to them.

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improvement to be good

Children say that they feel happy and safe with their foster carers and identify them as people who they can talk to. One child said, ‘I feel safe, and [name of carer] makes everything good.’ Another child stated, ‘I get so much support.’

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improvement to be good

Since the last inspection, the agency has experienced an increase in safeguarding incidents. In several cases, the agency’s response lacked effectiveness, with managers and supervising social workers failing to demonstrate sufficient professional curiosity. Investigations did not always prioritise the child’s experience and, at times, were overly led by the foster carer’s perspective. On one occasion, a foster carer’s emotional well-being was prioritised over the needs of the child in their care, resulting in an escalation of the child’s risk-taking behaviours and vulnerabilities. This ultimately led to the child leaving the placement abruptly. Leaders have recognised these shortfalls and have implemented actions to improve staff and foster carers’ practice.

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improvement to be good

Allegations against foster carers have increased. When children disclose concerns about the care they receive, the agency respond accordingly. This has included referrals to the local authority designated officer and safeguarding agencies. However, leaders and managers have not always ensured that follow up action is robust and there have been occasions where repeat concerns about foster carers’ practice have been reviewed in isolation. This has been addressed by the agency, and they have commissioned independent reviews. The reviews are thorough, analytical and provide clear recommendations for the agency on improving practice.

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improvement to be good

Foster carers do not always respond effectively when children are in crisis. There have been occasions where foster carers have called the police when children are distressed. This is not effective practice and does not support children who have experienced trauma. Leaders and managers are now working to ensure that all Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Compass Fostering West 4 foster carers have de-escalation training. In addition, foster carers and supervising social workers can access additional support from the agency’s therapeutic service to enhance the quality of care provided to children.

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improvement to be good

Children who self-harm receive positive support from their foster carers. They seek medical attention when required and work alongside health professionals, following any advice and guidance provided. However, supervising social workers are not always consistent when monitoring any follow up action to prevent a reoccurrence.

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improvement to be good

Children who are at risk of child sexual exploitation are supported well by foster carers and the agency. Supervising social workers work alongside placing social workers to ensure that clear safety plans are in place and followed. The agency will refer children to external agencies so that children receive support that is individual to their needs. Furthermore, foster carers receive specific training about the children’s risks and vulnerabilities. This provides an additional layer in keeping children safe.

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improvement to be good

The agency follows safer recruitment procedures for foster carers, staff and panel members. This ensures that foster homes are safe environments and that only suitable adults work with children.

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good

The agency has experienced an unsettled period with changes to the management arrangements within the last 12 months. These changes have impacted on the overall functioning of the agency. As a result, there have been times where the continuity of care for children has been impacted.

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good

Since the last inspection, the registered manager has left the agency. A new manager was appointed; however, they left within six months. This was quickly followed by two operational managers also leaving the agency. A new manager and operational managers have been appointed, and the new manager has submitted their application to Ofsted.

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good

Senior leaders recognised the vulnerabilities and brought in experience managers to support the agency. Although the managers have only been at the agency for a short period of time, their presence is starting to have a positive impact on the functioning of the agency and the continuity of care for children.

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good

The use of monitoring systems within the last 12 months has been ineffective and has not supported managers to maintain clear oversight of the agency. The current management team has implemented new systems, such as monthly monitoring and case file audits, to help to identify any shortfalls in practice. These systems are in their infancy and not fully embedded in practice.

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good

Children’s case records are not helpful to children. During the inspection, language such as ‘controlling’ and ‘provoking’ was used to describe children who were Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Compass Fostering West 5 experiencing emotional distress. This language does not align with the agency’s stated therapeutic ethos.

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good

Since the last inspection, managers have ensured that the correct procedures are followed regarding foster carers’ terms of approval. As a result, children are not being placed with foster carers outside the usual fostering limit.

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good

Supervising social workers feel supported by the leaders and managers. They are provided with a thorough induction and receive regular supervision. Supervisions provide staff with support and the opportunity to reflect on practice and the experiences of children and foster carers. The agency supports continual professional development, and supervising social workers are offered a range of training.

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good

The agency benefits from a skilled assessment and panel team that carries out a rigorous quality assurance process for foster carer approvals. The fostering panel contributes additional independent scrutiny of assessments, and clear rationales are provided by the panel chair to support recommendations. The agency decision- maker upholds good practice, making timely and well-reasoned decisions regarding the approval process. Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Compass Fostering West 6

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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 within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered provider and the registered manager must, having regard to—

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Requirement Due date

the size of the fostering agency, its statement of purpose, and the numbers and needs of the children placed by the fostering agency, and

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Requirement Due date

the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children placed by the fostering agency,

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Requirement Due date

carry on or manage the fostering agency (as the case may be) with sufficient care, competence and skill. (Regulation 8 (1)(a)(b))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically relates to leaders and managers having oversight of the agency and effective monitoring systems in place. 15 August 2025

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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; and

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Requirement Due date

before making any decision affecting a child placed or to be placed with a foster parent due consideration is given to the child’s—

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Requirement Due date

wishes and feelings (having regard to the child’s age and understanding. (Regulation 11 (1)(a)(b)(i))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically relates to the registered person ensuring that clear care planning arrangements are in place for children when moving to foster carers’ homes. 15 August 2025

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Requirement Due date

The fostering service provider must prepare and implement a written policy which— 15 August 2025 Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Compass Fostering West 7 is intended to safeguard children placed with foster parents from abuse or neglect, and

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Requirement Due date

sets out the procedure to be followed in the event of any allegation of abuse or neglect.

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Requirement Due date

The procedure under paragraph (1)(b) must, subject to paragraph (4), provide in particular for—

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Requirement Due date

consideration to be given to the measures which may be necessary to protect. (Regulation 12 (1)(a)(b) (3)(e))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically relates to the registered person ensuring that supervising social workers understand their safeguarding role and responsibilities.

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Requirement Due date

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

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Requirement Due date

This specifically relates to the registered manager ensuring that foster carers are provided with the right support. 15 August 2025

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that children’s safety and welfare are promoted in all fostering placements. The registered person should ensure that children are protected from abuse and other forms of significant harm. (‘Fostering services: national minimum standards’ page 14, paragraph 4.1)

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that foster carers receive guidance and training to provide appropriate care if looking after children with complex health needs. (Fostering services: national minimum standards’ page 17, paragraph 6.8)

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that where children are leaving the fostering family, they are helped to understand reasons why they are leaving. The registered provider should ensure that children are supported during the transition to their new foster home, independent living or to their parental home. (Fostering services: national minimum standards’ page 23, paragraph 11.5)

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that a clear and comprehensive summary of any allegations made against a particular member of the fostering household, or staff member, including details of how the allegation was followed up and resolved, a record of any action taken and the decisions reached, is kept on the Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Compass Fostering West 8 person’s confidential file. (‘Fostering services: national minimum standards’, page 45, paragraph 22.7)

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that information about the child is recorded clearly and in a way that will be helpful to the child when they access their files now or in the future. (‘Fostering services: national minimum standards’, 26.6)

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people using the social care common inspection framework. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 and the national minimum standards. Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Compass Fostering West 9

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider: Compass Fostering West Limited

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider address: 3 Rayns Way, Syston, Leicester LE7 1PF

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Independent fostering agency details

Email address: enquiries@compassfostering.com

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Inspectors

Lydia Isaac, Social Care Inspector Sarah Berry, Social Care Inspector Charlotte Love, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Compass Fostering West 10 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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