Leslie Ironside

Inspection report for adoption support agency - monitoring: Leslie Ironside 1 Leslie Ironside

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this adoption support agency

The agency registered with Ofsted in May 2006 and provides a service to adopters and their children. The registered manager is the sole practitioner.

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Information about this adoption support agency

The aim of the service is to provide therapeutic consultation. Support, assessment and treatment are also provided to adopted children and their families. Additionally, the goal is to provide a consultation service to professionals who work in the field of adoption.

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Information about this adoption support agency

The registered manager is a consultant child and adolescent psychotherapist. He is a member of the Association of Child Psychotherapists and the British Psychoanalytic Council.

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Inspection date: 18 March 2026

Date of last inspection: 5 December 2022

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This monitoring visit

The agency was judged to be outstanding at the last full inspection in December 2022. Since then, an amendment to the regulations for adoption support agencies has come into effect. This exempts some agencies from registering with and being inspected by Ofsted.

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This monitoring visit

However, since the last inspection in December 2022, the agency has continued to undertake some work with children who are not under contract to a local authority or adoption agency. As a result, the service remains subject to inspection activity by Ofsted.

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This monitoring visit

A full inspection was planned; however, due to unforeseen circumstances, a monitoring visit was carried out instead. The purpose of the visit was to ensure that Inspection report for adoption support agency - monitoring: Leslie Ironside 2 Ofsted remains satisfied with the provider’s ability to continue this work and provide safe and effective services.

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This monitoring visit

Adoptive parents speak positively about the provider. One adoptive parent has a high level of confidence in the provider and the therapeutic service he delivers. The parent reported improvements in family functioning, highlighting the progress made by their youngest child as a direct outcome of the therapeutic intervention. Their account evidences the provider’s capacity to facilitate meaningful family reflection that equips parents with practical tools that support daily routines and emotional regulation.

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This monitoring visit

Discussion with a second adoptive parent showed significant confidence in the provider’s practice and the reliability of the support offered. The provider demonstrates a consistent ability to create reflective spaces for families and to deliver strategies tailored to their needs. The provider has acted decisively and appropriately in advocating for the family in their dealings with social care, strengthening multi ‑ agency partnerships. The provider continues to operate as a positive, effective and well ‑ regarded medium between social care, education settings and the family.

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This monitoring visit

A commissioning social worker provided positive feedback regarding the quality, impact and integrity of the provider’s work. The commissioning authority confirms that the provider maintains a child ‑ centred approach, ensuring that meaningful time is prioritised with the young person. The commissioner expressed full confidence in the provider’s practice and intends to continue commissioning his services.

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This monitoring visit

The provider has a detailed and holistic understanding of the families he supports and consistently prioritises the child’s needs in all aspects of his practice. He demonstrates flexible service delivery in response to the individual needs and presenting circumstances of each service user. The provider works effectively and professionally with partner agencies.

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This monitoring visit

The provider has a good understanding of safeguarding. He understands his statutory responsibilities and the importance of multi ‑ agency coordination, ensuring that concerns are escalated and addressed without delay. Annual service reviews are now embedded into practice, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

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This monitoring visit

There is an improvement in the overall quality of case recording. However, the visit identified some inconsistencies in the accuracy of recorded dates. This gap represents a missed opportunity to strengthen case files and ensure that records are preserved in a way that will support service users in understanding their lived experiences when reviewing documentation in adulthood.

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This monitoring visit

The provider receives regular supervision from an experienced adoption specialist who has a thorough understanding of his work. This supervisory relationship has Inspection report for adoption support agency - monitoring: Leslie Ironside 3 made a positive contribution to the provider’s professional development. It has also supported him in addressing the recommendations raised at the last full inspection, including those relating to annual service monitoring. Inspection report for adoption support agency - monitoring: Leslie Ironside 4

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that the entries in records, decisions and reasons are legible, clearly expressed and factual. In particular, ensure that all recorded information, including dates, is accurate. (Adoption: national minimum standards 2014 27.4)

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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 adoption support 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 adoption support agency - monitoring: Leslie Ironside 5

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Adoption support agency details

Registered provider address: 35 Clermont Terrace, Brighton BN1 6SJ

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Inspector

Vevene Muhammad, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for adoption support agency - monitoring: Leslie Ironside 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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