Fostering Solutions Limited South

Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Fostering Solutions Limited South 1 Fostering Solutions Limited South

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Suite 3, Poles Copse, Poles Lane, Otterbourne, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 2DZ

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this independent fostering agency

Fostering Solutions Limited South is an independent fostering agency that is part of the National Fostering Group. The agency provides a wide range of foster homes, including short- and long-term, emergency placements, parent and child, children with disabilities, short breaks, staying put, and placements for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. At the time of this monitoring visit, there were 60 approved fostering households, and 67 children placed.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since March 2023.

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Information about this independent fostering agency

The registered provider has recently appointed a new responsible individual, and we are currently checking this person has the relevant capacity, experience and skills to carry out the role.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was carried out following the very sad expected death of a child. Ofsted does not investigate incidents of this kind. The focus of this monitoring visit has been the support provided to staff, foster carers and children, as well as training and supervision alongside actions taken by the agency.

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This monitoring visit

Foster carers provide compassionate and skilled care, enabling children to live in a safe, nurturing and emotionally attuned environment. Frequent, meaningful and shared activities alongside siblings offered important familiarity and comfort, strengthening the connection between children and their foster carers. Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Fostering Solutions Limited South 2 Exemplary partnership working and effective communication ensured that children’s views, wishes and feelings remained central to all decision-making. Compassionate, informed advocacy by foster carers ensured that children’s wellbeing and comfort was prioritised at every stage.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers prioritise supervision and training, resulting in foster carers who are highly skilled, knowledgeable and prepared to meet children’s complex needs. Foster carers have completed specialist health-related training, enabling them to adapt in line with the child’s evolving health needs. Professionals stated that the child received highly personalised and exemplary care from their foster carers.

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This monitoring visit

Supervising social workers receive detailed, reflective and constructive supervision. Records demonstrate a strong understanding of the needs of the foster carers, alongside clear actions to support them.

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This monitoring visit

The wellbeing of staff and foster carers is a priority for the agency. Bereavement support is appropriately provided to staff and foster carers, including siblings within a foster family.

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This monitoring visit

The child’s influence within the agency was significant. The agency and foster carers are committed to ensuring this continues, reflecting the value placed on the child’s legacy and contribution.

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This monitoring visit

The recommendation set at the last inspection was not considered as part of this inspection so is therefore restated. No new requirements or recommendations were set as a result of this inspection. Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Fostering Solutions Limited South 3

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that each foster carer the supervising social worker supervises is informed in writing of, and accepts, understands and operates within, all Regulations and standards and with policies and guidance agreed by the fostering service. (‘Fostering services: national minimum standards’, 21.9)

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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 agency: Fostering Solutions Limited South 4

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Independent fostering agency details

Registered provider: Fostering Solutions Ltd

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Independent fostering agency details

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

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Inspector

Jill Sephton-Wright, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for independent fostering agency: Fostering Solutions Limited South 5 inspects 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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