Agenda item

These services had both been inspected recently (fostering in December 2016 and adoption January 2017) and rated as ‘requires improvement’. This was the 1^st time that they had been inspected separately, and the process had been more than usually intensive (2 inspectors over 5 days).

Whilst the overall rating was ‘requires improvement’, positive aspects had been recognised by inspectors. These included:

·  Service user involvement

·  Adopters involved on interview panels

·  Internal placements

·  Permanency of placements

·  Children well prepared

·  Fostering recruitment

However, the Ofsted recommendations focused on a number of other areas:

·  Formation of a detailed training programme

·  Additional training for staff

·  First aid

·  Commissioning of post-adoption support

The Panel raised the following points in discussion:

·  Both reports highlighted concerns over auditing. At present, neither service had put reporting formats or systems in place; however, both inspections also had confidence this would be rectified.

·  The issue regarding complaints also involved the formalisation of processes. Whilst a case had been resolved, it had not been subject to a standardised process. Subsequently, procedures had been tightened to end this.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.