Ofsted praises fostering agency

Slough: Response to COVID-19 found to be ‘thorough’

Ofsted inspectors praised an independent fostering agency run by the Slough Children’s Services Trust for its response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The education watchdog suspended all routine inspections due to the pandemic in March but carried out a two-day assurance visit to the agency on November 17.

Its report, published on December 23, found the agency’s response to COVID19 has been thorough with safeguarding children remaining a priority.

Inspectors said registered manager, Saima Arif, has given thoughtful consideration about where children should live and includes foster carers in these decisions.

The report added that foster carers understand the impact of COVID-19 on children, particularly in relation to the disruption of their normal routines.

Agency staff worked with foster carers to provide upto-date guidance on coronavirus restrictions, including on events that matter to youngsters such as Halloween.

Inspectors found the agency supported foster carers throughout periods of nationwide coronavirus restrictions and periods of self-isolation.

In the event that foster carers became too unwell to care for children, respite arrangements were made by the agency, the report added.

Scheduled training for foster carers had to be cancelled due to the pandemic but online courses were made available.

The report found that Ms Arif has created a stable management team and new team leaders are already making a difference to foster carers’ and children’s lives.

No serious or widespread concerns were identified during the visit in relation to the care or protection of children.